One reason I'm over the moon about the Royal Wedding

[EffieBlack]

From the time I was small, I enjoyed things that many little girls did. But growing up black, I also felt a separateness, a sense that these things could be seen but never really touched. I could hang up the Beatles and Bobby Sherman's pictures on my wall, but I knew that I was never REALLY going to marry them. Of course, my white friends also weren't likely to end up marrying them, either, but imagining they COULD didn't seem crazy. And I knew I'd never really grow up to marry a prince (at least not a non-African one).

I also knew that the reason I wasn't going to marry one was based in some ugly stuff. I knew that royal families were all-white and off-limits to people like me. I knew that whenever I saw photos of the family, their retainers, their friends, etc., there was never anyone anywhere near them who looked like me. And even though I continued to be fascinated with them - don't ask me why, I just was - that fascination always came with a little twinge of guilt that I was that interested in people who probably thought that people like me were inferior to them, who didn't want us anywhere around them, and who probably just didn't think of us at all. It felt like I was always on the outside looking in, watching other people do interesting things that really had nothing to do with me and that they didn't care that what they were doing had nothing to do with me. I just didn't matter to them.

So, today was an amazing experience. Not only did I watch a black woman marry into the royal family, I saw it happen in a way that totally connected with me, that made me feel like I was included and respected. The royal family didn't just accept this black woman into their family, expecting her to assimilate, to be absorbed into their fold, without adding any of her own uniqueness to the mix.

No. She brought ALL of herself into the equation. She was proudly and unequivocally black and made sure we all knew it. From the black pastor, to the black choir to the gospel songs to her beautiful black mother who didn't straighten her hair to fit in but rocked her naturally kinky locs, it was clear to all of us that all of us were a part of this. It was beautiful.

This may not seem to be a big deal to people who have always been a part of something, who are accustomed to most important things being filled with people who look just like them and, thus, are comfortable looking at it askance or even disdaining it. But to many of the black former little girls who were always on the outside looking in, this was beyond awesome.

[aikoaiko]

1. Oh happy day.

It makes me happy to hear that this event, this societal milestone if you will, made you happily.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Well said, my dear EffieBlack!

And though I am as white as they come, I hear you!

She belongs there, with Prince Harry.

And now, you are part of this glorious multi-color quilt or heterogeneous family, or whatever you want to call it.

[MBS]

8. Same for me.

I loved the wedding, for all the reasons EffieBack stated, and, though I'm a big fan of classical music, the gospel choir was the standout musical experience for me, and the warm-hearted, passionate sermon of Bishop Curry was, after Harry and Meghan themselves (and her mom, also a woman of grace), the most meaningful part of the ceremony. It's true - and thrilling - what the journalists have been saying: that both the choir and the bishop brought the black church to the Royal Family. But most of all, IMHO, they brought America: real America, my America, to the Royal Family (yes, I know that the gospel choir was from the UK, but that is an all-American song)

It was so reassuring to see Meghan, Doria Ragland, gospel music, and Bishop Curry representing my country to the world, rather the criminal impostors currently polluting the White House, our rivers, and our national morale.

[Collimator]

48. Yes, grace is the right word. . .

To describe Ms. Ragland. She does have the natural grace that can't compare with titles and wealth and fame and glamour. Her heart shines will beauty that thoughtful souls can see.

There was a story posted somewhere on line about Meghan comforting her mother, who was in tears after some miserable rectum called her the n-word.

Ms. Ragland is now an in-law to the Queen of England, you fecal matter of a person, whoever you are. You will hate her even more, of course, because a black person of worth makes you work harder to feel superior--which you never were, to anybody--and that's the only way you know how to value a human person.

Love is the only worthwhile measure of anything, and you can't even love yourself. That's sad.

Ms. Ragland, you helped to shape a fine young woman. Your daughter is the only crown you need.

[yonder]

60. wonderful words. nt

[MBS]

61. + 1000

Judging from a divorce when Meghan was 6 (and all the challenges that brings to raising a child) and the recent behavior of Meghan's half-siblings, this could not have been an easy task, either. As you said, Ms. Ragland is a class act through and through - and more regal, by the way, than the several lesser "royal" cousins and in-laws of Harry I witnessed giggling or rolling their eyes through Bishop Curry's powerful sermon (SHAME on them).

[appalachiablue]

78. K&R. So true. Meghan & Doria Ragland, what a loving mother & daughter.

Cheers to these two beautiful, strong and exceptional women!
A highly accomplished, bright and lovely woman like Meghan becoming part of the royal family is historic.
Along with her other important roles Meghan is now a Duchess, a Countess and a Baroness.

The progress made with British institutions and human endeavors today is immense. How proud Diana Spencer, the Princess of Wales would be of Harry and Meghan's love, their union and all that it represents.
I wish that Sasha and Malia, Barack and Michelle Obama could have attended, but they will be enjoying Harry and Meghan's company at many other delightful occasions.



https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/19/europe/duke-duchess-sussex-meghan-harry-intl/index.html



https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/19/europe/doria-ragland-meghan-markle-mother-intl/index.html

[MLAA]

93. Well said!

[CelticWinter]

3. Harry, Meghan, William and Kate

as they have been called the "Fab 4" are going to take the world by storm. I hope I live long enough to see what these young people are going to do.

[malaise]

4. I never once wanted to be married to royalty

Not once.

[EffieBlack]

5. OK

[Demsrule86]

66. I dreamed of marrying a prince and being whisked off to a castle to live happily after...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

51. I did. I'm only slightly younger than Prince Charles,

and when I was quite young (pre-teen) I thought I'd like to marry him so I could be the Queen of England. I soon got over that fantasy, of course, but it was fun to imagine for awhile.

[malaise]

54. I joined my favorite aunt in mocking royalty before I was four

It was when my parents were decorating for Elizabeth's coronation and she laughed them to scorn and added some good anti-colonial words. She was the most influential person in my life - I adored her and she adored me. She shattered all the BS myths for me early - she was the most irreverent person in my early life, never went near a church but was the kindest person I knew and fed the poor every Friday with soup and home made bread.
I am also a year younger than Charles.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

57. Ha! Your aunt sounds delightful.

"Laughed them to scorn." And probably "had them in derision," too. As a four-year-old American child, I thought it would be cool to be the Queen. Now, being a royal sounds to me like a real PITA sort of thing (Diana was obviously unhappy, although Elizabeth seems to enjoy strolling around with her corgis). I don't think I'd like it at all, so I'm glad Charles and I never met.

[malaise]

59. Most of my siblings were no different

They were Cinderella. They loved that rubbish.

[bettyellen]

72. I always hated the Disney princess bullshit too, but I have to give Meghan props- she really is

doing it her way, and I love the change. I was shocked the sermon turned so political. That is a huge thing.

I hope they both spend all their time and money combatting international poverty and championing women. If the family is going to go on, that’s the way to do it. I think Meghan will push the envelope politically in many ways, she’s super smart and seems really invested in making a difference.

[malaise]

74. I wish them all that is good

but I really avoid all royals. When one says something sensible I read it.

I don't know that the royals changing will change the increasing racism being pushed by the Conservative party in that country. I'm particularly peeved with England over matters Windrush. It is vile policy to treat the people who rebuilt England in such a way particularly after you begged them to come.

[panader0]

91. Ha! Great story about your aunt.

[tymorial]

77. Good for you.

[sheshe2]

6. Beautiful

[MariaCSR]

7. That wedding had some SEASONING in it!

haha

[DemocratSinceBirth]

9. Neither here or there but you had as good a chance of marrying a Beatle as any other young woman.

They were all forward thinking.

[Le Gaucher]

10. Imagine the lack of fawning, if Harry and Meghan's gender's were reversed

I highly doubt if we'd be going oooh and aaaah + having this coverage if that were the case.

While this is progress .. we(people of the earth) still have a long way to go.

[Me.]

11. It's The Possibility, The Potential Attached To A Reality

that it could happen to you even though it might not happen unless a prince entered your door...but if he did and eyes shone bright, yes it could be you in the carriage. We tell children they can be/do anything and then they find out it's not true because of their skin color. Now when little girls, and boys, are told fairytales, they can see that maybe, just maybe those magical stories can apply to them.

[Butterflylady]

58. Yep

I have a bi-racial granddaughter the same age as Prince George, ( William and Kate's first born)so one never knows what may happen in life. There's always hope and that is her name, Hope.

[Me.]

67. Nice

[Eliot Rosewater]

12. So was the actual ceremony on live TV?

I Plan on checking out the Will Ferrell Molly Shannon HBO thing tonight but am not sure if it was filmed during the wedding.

So you saw the wedding while it happened?

Black woman? What? I havent paid much attention to this until now, he married a WOC?

[RandomAccess]

17. Yes, she's bi-racial, and an American actress

The whole thing is here. The sermon was delivered by the black head of the Episcopal church in America, and he quoted MLK, Jr. I didn't get to see it, but what I did see was wonderful.

[BumRushDaShow]

18. They are 4 hours difference (based on EDT)

and stations ran coverage live this morning - the actual ceremony started around 7 am EDT. BBC America re-ran their coverage at around 9 am EDT and other outlets are supposed to rerun on whatever schedule they plan.

Meghan Markle is biracial. Her mother (Doria Ragland) is black and her father is white.

[RandomAccess]

13. Oh! good point here

The royal family didn't just accept this black woman into their family, expecting her to assimilate, to be absorbed into their fold, without adding any of her own uniqueness to the mix. No. She brought ALL of herself into the equation.

I hadn't quite made that connection. I mean it was obvious, but your comment made me think back to Diana and Charles, Fergie and Andrew, and even William and Kate. I think it was very difficult for both Diana and Fergie to live up to what was expected of them, unrealistically. For Kate, that wasn't a problem so much it seemed, but then she also seemed to meld into the role rather nicely.

But THIS is different. Way different. And wonderful. Meghan comes as her own grown-ass woman, and with Harry's support (no doubt) demands and expects to be accepted for who she is. That alone, I think, is a sea change in the monarchy.

[BumRushDaShow]

14. "Bobby Sherman"

(I thought I was the only one... )

And regarding what you wrote - and in a somewhat awkward attempt at capturing that issue, you have "The Princess and the Frog" -



And here we are almost 10 years after that came out.

[Victor_c3]

19. Thanks for posting that

I think that it was a tremendously good thing for Disney to make a black princess and a black prince.

I recently went to Disney (about a month ago) and my very white kids were ecstatic to get to meet Tianna (the princess depicted) I also noticed black girls dressed up like Snow White.

It’s a great thing to see really happen in real life. Black people get to be an accepted part of mainstream culture as white peoples - and vice-versa. I generally disprove of globalization, but eveybody contributing to a singular world culture and ethnicity is a good thing.

[BumRushDaShow]

20. It's going to take a LONG time

because much of the negative media imagery came out of the same movie and television studios for over a century. But it's one baby step at a time.



(of course Disney owns the above now too)

[Aristus]

23. Angela Bassett!

She is my word-association answer to 'beautiful'...

[BumRushDaShow]

30. Yes and since I hadn't really followed news on the movie until I saw it

I didn't realize she was in it (along with Forrest Whitaker).

To this day, over 20 years later, I keep fuming that she didn't get an Oscar nod for her part in "Waiting to Exhale". The one powerful scene that should have nailed a nom, gets me sobbing every time I watch it.

[USALiberal]

96. Reverse the roles in this scene and the man would be a bully and an arsonist. nt

[EffieBlack]

98. Maybe.

But the roles weren’t reversed. This was a woman.

[BumRushDaShow]

101. Sorry to burst your little fantasy bubble

but that scene is black woman rage that is rarely displayed publicly. She articulated it from the heart in that scene. It's a warning.

But then have you ever watched this film (or even read the book that it was made from)? Have you ever read anything from Toni Morrison or even heard of her? I expect not.

[EffieBlack]

103. I assume that's a rhetorical question...

[BumRushDaShow]

104. ...

[USALiberal]

107. Nice try. nt

[BumRushDaShow]

108. Then the answer to my question is obvious. nt

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

111. Little girls love princesses, and this one adored Tiana.

There was no question in her mind that this woman was her favorite princess.

[BumRushDaShow]

112. I remember when that was posted on DU

So adorable!!!

And of course an analogous one that was recent too (the "Queen" ) -

[MineralMan]

15. Yes. First a black President. Now a black Duchess in England.

New potentials. New dreams. Thank you!

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

26. Well, there is some precedent ...

https://sparrowmeto.wordpress.com/2014/07/07/black-history-phillipa-and-charlotte-two-black-queens-of-england/

[Bucky]

92. That's interesting, but the evidence on Queen Philippa...

... seems spurious. The first picture of her, the one with the more African features, shows a woman in 18th century costume. The picture is no more contemporaneous than the second one, the one with the European features, which seems to come from the 19th century, judging from the lithography style.

The case for George III's consort having some African ancestry seems stronger.

[Myrddin]

102. By far the the best comment MineralMan

No over-analysis, just a straightforward, fair, observation.

Thank you Sir!

[Iliyah]

16. To mention a few . . .

Garrett Morgan, inventor of the early version of the gas mask called smoke hood and creator of the first traffic light; Charles Drew, inventor of the modern blood transfusion; Thurgood Marshall, Justice of the Supreme Court; Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, Kathryn Peddrew, Eunice Smith, Barbara Holley, Mathematicians who played a critical roll in aeronautics at NASA; President Barack Hussein Obama . . . . . .

I understand that Meghan Markle now Duchess of Sussex, to some cannot be compared to the above mentioned, but honestly, as a young African American girl and even older, this is a "fairly tale" that became as a reality. And it makes me at least fell good.

My aunt who got me into Star Trek told me this about "Nichelle Nichols" - she inspired me.

So yeah.

[BumRushDaShow]

22. Nichelle was a heroine for many

I think Whoopie Goldberg always talks about that.

[Aristus]

24. Lucky George Takei!

What a waste, though.

I'm not saying a gay man can't appreciate a woman's beauty. But still, I would have given anything to trade places with him at that moment...

[BumRushDaShow]

25. LOL

In that episode, she wasn't having it.

[Hekate]

21. You are making me smile. I look forward to catching upon all the festivities tonight.

[fierywoman]

27. I'm so happy for your happiness! Do you know of this wonderful

woman?:
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/04/viscountess-weymouth-emma-thynn

[smirkymonkey]

39. Very interesting. I had never heard of her before this. She is beautiful and

seems very talented as well.

[skylucy]

28. Well said! +1000! Amen! I was surprised and kind of sad to read some of the negative comments about

the wedding of Harry and Meghan on DU today. I'm so glad you posted this!

[Uncle Joe]

29. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for sharing EffieBlack

[Chickensoup]

31. The comparison is glaring.

Watching the wedding and the gentle
and loving way the Royal family embraced
Megan I could not help contrasting
what I was seeing with the ugliness,
smallness of stature, the amazing level
of ignorance and the spreading of hate and
division among people.
Trump you are a disgrace .

[Guilded Lilly]

32. I was charmed and thrilled and totally enamoured of

the ceremony, the joy, the message!

I adore Harry and Meghan and seeing the lovely blend of custom and backgrounds expressed in such a genuine atmosphere of acceptance was a gigantic hug to my heart.

Hugs to you, too, EffieBlack!

I still am holding out for Sir Paul. HA! Never give the dream up.

[MicaelS]

33. Wonderful post.

Thanks for sharing.

I was ecstatic the way the Royals accepted Meghan after the awful way they treated Diana, who they treated as little more than a broodmare. Bi-racial + Divorced + American, wow, that is a trifecta! That was the first time I had seen her mother, and I see she got her beauty from her mother.

They way the two of them have always smiled at each other, you can tell they are really in love. And that smile of hers! He is one lucky man.

[FuzzyRabbit]

34. EffieBlack, thanks for your perspective.

As a white male whose ancestors fought to rid the colonies of King George, I have never thought too much of the royal family. But you have opened my eyes to a different perspective on the symbolism of the royals.

And yes, I am proud that Meghan Markle is an American, like me.

Another happy first occasion happened on Mothers Day.
http://www.ktva.com/story/38218189/alaska-airlines-sees-first-ever-black-female-flight-crew|

[Duppers]

35. The wedding was a very happy event

For me....ya see my future d.i.l. is a "Meghan" but with a twist. Her mom is black, her dad Iranian, and her appearance is ethnic. My extended family will not be accepting of her. So, F them. She and my son live in the safety of the DC area, thank dog.

Bet this wedding has caused some angst in southern US states. They need to get over a lot of things.

Oh Happy Day!

[smirkymonkey]

40. I only wish Harry would have dispensed with the beard for this occasion.

It's not a good look on him. But then again, I don't really like facial hair on anybody.

[Ilsa]

43. I tend to agree. His face is quite handsome without the beard. nt

[Duppers]

44. I agree.

My son keeps a short beard and I hate the scratchy thing. Not a good look and his old mom likes to give him cheek smooches but that beard. Yuck.

These beards must be a generational thing now.

[pnwmom]

85. I think it's a great look on him. And with it, he looks less like

his wife. (Check out their amazingly similar noses.)

They're not just different colors, one of them has that beard!

[smirkymonkey]

87. I would hope his wife didn't have a beard.

I don't think anyone would get them confused if he shaved it off just for this occasion.

[Tipperary]

94. Yeah, because all the bigots in the world live in the south.

[Duppers]

105. Didn't say that

I was born and grew up in the south and know for a fact that biracial couples are more readily accepted in cosmopolitan DC than places south of there. And I know my extended family.

Sorry I seemed to have stepped on your sensitivities. But given your statement, I suppose you expect most of the south to go Blue in the next election?! The Repub party is all about racism and most know that.

[Duppers]

118. Tipperary

I apologize. I was harsh and rude. I must relate two true stories...

My hubs and I have gotten criticism from former conservative friends and some family members since we came out of the closet many, many decades ago as being liberal dems.

So, when I announced my pregnancy and ultrasound revealed I was having a boy decades ago, the first words out of my now ex good friend's mouth were, "Congratulations! I'm thrilled. Now, tell me how you'd feel if he announced he were going to marry a black woman."

I swear to the dog she said that!

Then, then, my sister-in-law called from Memphis...wait for it...and said the exact damn thing!!! "What if he wants to marry a black woman?!!"
By the year 2001, we had stopped even speaking to either woman. Hubs forfeited a big inheritance when he told this family to go to hell.

So, this is a personal and sensitive issue for us. I don't miss either of those bigots. I still haven't told any of our extended families or friends living south of us that our son will likely marry his black girlfriend.

Racial attitudes are connected mostly to ignorance but also to geographical norms, sadly.

We still live in the south (Virginia) but at least it has changed - a lot - in the past 40 years. Tennessee is also changing but much more slowly.

🙏

[TNNurse]

36. She was stunning. I loved her dress, her subdued makeup.

She looked so happy, her mama looked so happy. Prince Charles did a great job escorting both her and her mother. I believe they will do good things in the world with their fame and influence.

He will never be king and so they could make their own way. There was dignity, formality, tradition and there was personality and personal influence. Many kinds of great music. They just looked like they were enjoying the event.

I was not excited about it, but I was moved and happy for them. I loved her American influences, they were just the right kind.
She is part of a new family and country now, but she brought parts of home with her and the world got to see.

[Ilsa]

45. It was great that her freckles were not covered up

by foundation. She was quite beautiful.

It was a fabulous service. Great music, both traditional, modern and gospel.

[muriel_volestrangler]

37. There are also Princess Angela of Liechtenstein, and a Baroness in Monaco

who have married into European royal families:

http://www.blackenterprise.com/royal-report-6-regal-black-women-from-around-the-world/

[mainer]

38. I think it's a VERY big and wonderful deal.

And to all the Scrooges who say "who cares?" I ask them if they were equally blasé when Obama became our first Black President. Because this, too, gives us hope that there's progress.

[TNNurse]

41. EffieBlack

I forgot to add a thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this. It was a perspective this old white southern woman was happy to read.

[lamp_shade]

42. Beautiful. Thank you.

[MaryMagdaline]

46. Meghan did America proud today

[EffieBlack]

52. Didn't she though?

[classof56]

47. Thank you for this lovely, thoughtful post.

I watched the entire ceremony and was greatly moved. Right now I feel much better about my biracial great-niece, a beautiful 7-year-old about whom I have been very concerned of late. I wondered what the future might hold for her. Your words give me a ray of hope that she will not fall prey to the ugliness that seems so prevalent in America these days.

Blessings to you.

[Soph0571]

49. Effie it is the biggest of deals

It was not just awesome it was awe inspiring. As a white woman of privilege in the UK, but also as a loud and vocal anti-racist, today made my heart swell with joy. Of course the right wing papers over here used dog whistle bollocks, as they do. BUT the mother of the bride has locks. The gospel choir hit the roof. The Bishop PREACHED. No skies fell in and the Firm welcomed a black woman into the household. I hear you. This is a huge fucking deal. Not just for people of colour, but for your allies. And also for those fuckers who hate. Hehe their brains are exploding right now and it is glorious. They are going to ex[;ode even more when there is a black prince or princess in the next year or so..

[mcar]

50. I'm so glad she did the wedding her way

It was lovely and meaningful.

[SallyHemmings]

53. It's all about Love!

The threat to our democracy is exhausting. Waking to the sun kissed wedding was a nice way to nurse a Saturday cup of coffee. I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.

[EffieBlack]

55. Another reason this makes me joyful ...

Often, when it comes to these kinds of things, I'm much geekier than most of my black friends, who look at me like I'm crazy when I get all juiced up over royal weddings, etc. So at times like this, I usually feel stuck in the middle between the white world and the black world.

But todayyyyy, my nubian sisters are all in today and are absolutely over the moon. We're calling each other, texting, squealing with happiness and pride. "Did you SEE that DRESS?!?!" "Oh, my GOD, Harry's a CUTIE PATOOTIE and he LOVES him some Meghan!" "Are we actually having CHURCH up in there?" And I'm sure this is being replicated in the millions all around the world.

We sure needed this.

I may just combust . . .

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

62. I'm not a big fan of church most of the time, but the Bishop was terrific.

I just loved his homily.

[EffieBlack]

63. MSNBC is replaying it right now

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

64. I'm watching again. I love him!

Also, Harry is so cute I can hardly stand it.

[Collimator]

68. Not a big fan of Biblegod.

However, the underlying themes of love and redemption and setting the world on fire with the flagrant notion of people being one human family is something that I can get behind.

And it was adorable when he interrupted his own enthusiasm to say, We've got to get you two married or words to that effect.

And to those who noted some of the facial responses of members of the royal family, I don't think that they meant to be rude. People who are schooled in an ethos of restraint can be taken back a bit by animated behavior.

There is a small irony in the fact that they themselves are being scrutinized for displaying unguarded facial expressions. Maybe they are a little envious of people who are capable of demonstrating passion for their beliefs.

From what little I can recall, Charles and Diana's wedding sermon was a snoozer.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

69. I loved Charles and Diana's wedding!

Kiri te Kanawa sang Handel's "Let The Bright Seraphim," which was worth getting up early for all by itself.

[samnsara]

56. ive been watching it since 4 am pacific time....

[Demsrule86]

65. Michael Curry is presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church...my church. my niece has

a picture of the two of them at an aids conference she attended and he came to Cleveland once...he is a fine man. I am proud to be an Episcopalian...this church truly expects us to live up to our faith and is diverse...all are welcome. My Lesbian daughter will marry their the year after next when she finishes college. Our minister will perform the ceremony. It was a lovely wedding...

[wryter2000]

70. Also my church

We have lesbian and gay families in our church and a great mix of white and people of color. I have heard the Presiding Bishop preach

[kwassa]

76. Our episcopal church, too.

Open and accepting to all, and highly diverse in every sense of the word.

[Demsrule86]

120. I am moving to Cleveland and I am even more impressed with the church there...it is truly

amazing.

[stuffmatters]

84. Always been proud of the Episcopal Church; it's stood for social justice, inclusiveness, love

The Episcopal Church, in which I grew up and matured during the fifties & sixties, fought in the front lines for civil rights, women's rights, respect and inclusion for all and against an unjust draft and war. Bishop Curry and his Love Sermon was so fondly familiar to me as those I heard in the 50/60"s in all my Episcopal Churches from Texas, Tucson, Oakland, Upstate New York to Los Angeles. Later in my life the Episcopal Church in America has elected gay Bishops as well as women. Their message of love, respect, diversity,activism has never changed.

I just loved this wedding for so many reasons. Mainly because it represented the Union of BOTH Megan (a biracial American woman) and Harry (a British Royal) so stirringly and optimistically.

[wryter2000]

95. Where in Oakland?

St. Paul’s by Lake Merritt here.

[stuffmatters]

114. Yes,yes!& Merritt College so important to the 60's! My whole life proudly identified from Oakland

No matter where I've lived, Oakland formed my politics at a young age & has always been first in my heart. I lived there in the late 50's ; there was a Redline of Mandana Blvd between middle class black & white families. Yet we all went to the same schools & were friends together. The Redlining was being challenged, and we kids could not comprehend the racism of many of the parents
fearmongering about the" blockbusting" families of our friends. Set my politics for life.
I know that I learned to sail on Lake Merritt, pretty much lived at the library there. I'm pretty sure St Paul's was the church where I got confirmed since Lake Merritt was my neighborhood!
Thanks & shout out back at you, wryter2000!

[wryter2000]

121. Oakland

I moved to California in 1969. We couldn't find a place to rent in Berkeley and ended up in Oakland. I'm so glad because I immediately fell in love with Oaktown. I wouldn't live anywhere else.

I've lived all over. Piedmont Avenue, lower Rockridge, Adams Point, Temescal, Montclair. For the last 20 years I've lived around 109th and MacArthur.

I love the music, the food, the politics, and the spirit of the city. This year is the 50th anniversary of Tower of Power. The concert is at the Fox Theatre on Telegraph. I'll be there.

[stuffmatters]

122. Lovely! How wonderful to get to enjoy Oakland nearly 50 years.

Your love and excitement for Oakland leaps off the page. That Concert sounds like a perfect 50th anniversary celebration for Oakland and for you too!

[Demsrule86]

119. We do so much outreach to the poor in my church.

[catrose]

73. My 7-yr-old step-granddaughter is from Ethiopia

She was so thrilled and excited the first time she saw a picture of the President's family (No, NOT the current resident). "Look, his daughters have hair like mine!" she said. I sent her a First Family Coloring Book for the next gift occasion.

And her mother grumbled, "I wish we had some little blonde girls in the White House," like that hadn't been literally true her entire life except for 8 years. I'm still trying to connect that statement with someone who adopts an African child.

Anyway, yes, a happy day for representation.

[gollygee]

75. I'm not interested in the royal wedding so I didn't watch, but

I heard people talking about how beautiful her dress was so I looked at pictures. They look very happy. And her dress and really everything about her was stunning.

[ladym55]

79. I have not really been into royal weddings since Charles and Diana

I was happy for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but did not get up before dawn, don my fascinator, and make tea and scones. However, when I learned this morning about a marvelous sermon by Bishop Curry and a beautiful Gospel Choir, I decided to check things out. The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex have acquired a fan. (Time to go find a souvenir plate!) What a beautiful and amazing service!

Duchess Meghan is fully herself and full of grace and intelligence. She will represent the US in the UK and the world to remind them all that we aren't all stupid, racist, corrupt idiots.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

80. Hmm.

It was interesting and quite a wonderful event. Paragraph two reminded me of things I need to hear, if not only for perspective.
Thanks for your OP.

[Lucky Luciano]

81. Re Markle's mother.

My wife showed me a picture yesterday because she thought the mother was gorgeous (I agree!)...even more beautiful than Meghan (also gorgeous!).

[FirstLight]

82. K&R!

Last edited Sat May 19, 2018, 09:24 PM - Edit history (1)

You are spot on, it makes a lot of sense.

PS... I still have yet to watch the whole thing but the snippets I *did* see were really sweet and awesome.

pps... Effie? I had an Aunt Effie from Mississippi!

[Ms. Toad]

83. Of course it's a big deal. n/t

[pnwmom]

86. My only disappointment

was that her mom didn't walk her up the aisle. I'm guessing she might have felt shy about doing that -- I bet Meghan would have been happy for her to.

Otherwise, it was absolutely beautiful -- everything about it.

On edit:

On second thought, Prince Charles doing it certainly gave the union the Official Seal of Approval.

[EffieBlack]

99. Yes - I think Charles doing it sent a powerful message: "She's with us, now."

And I loved that she walked in by herself.

[sheshe2]

88. This

Link to tweet

Perfect fit.

So #MeghanMarkle will be known as the Duchess of Sussex. She will be the first to hold this title.

The first (and only) Duke of Sussex campaigned for the abolition of slavery.

[sheshe2]

90. Another

Link to tweet

[MustLoveBeagles]

97. Beautifly stated Effie

There's nothing wrong at all with enjoying this moment. It doesn't mean we've forgotten all the bad stuff going on, that we're unpatriotic, or that we want a Monarchy here. What's wrong with focusing on something positive for one day? I was up early yesterday to let my dogs out but caught only the vow exchange and the carriage ride. I watched the whole thing later that evening. Reverend Curry and the Choir were amazing. I've never seen a Royal wedding like that before. The new Duke and Duchess of Essex have shaken things up a bit and I think that's a good thing. The only disappointment was not seeing the Obama's there.

I read that other thread and understand that not everyone cares about this and that's okay. I respect that opinion, but it felt as if some were looking down upon others for thinking this is a big deal. I didn't know whether to laugh or shake my head.

[EffieBlack]

100. There is a sense of "We're too cool for this and you guys are dorks for liking it"

Reminds me of the kids who hung around outside in the parking lot laughing at the kids going in to the prom ...

It’s fine not to be in to it, but being interested in a royal wedding or not is not a sign of anyone’s values.

[MustLoveBeagles]

113. Exactly

[heaven05]

106. yep. big deal

I hear you!

[Raster]

109. It is a big deal...

...

[xmas74]

110. She was gorgeous

And the wedding offered a fantastic mix of different worlds in a way that offered something for everyone.

It was beautiful.

[Gothmog]

115. This makes me smile

Link to tweet

[EffieBlack]

116. OMG

That made me cry.

Between that and Megan's rescued beagle riding with the Queen, I may never recover from this weekend.

[Byronic]

117. Doria is getting on well with Charles.

By all accounts, the two have formed quite a warm relationship. From Prince Charles emerging from the church with Camilla on one arm and Doria on the other, to the reports that they spent a fair amount of time arm-in-arm and chatting at the evening reception, I'd say the mother of the bride and the father of the groom are getting on famously.

Also love the symbolism behind the Queen's gift of the title. HRH Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The fact that the 1st (and until now only) Duke of Sussex personally campaigned for the abolition of slavery is just too, too, perfect.

What a magnificent boost Meghan is going to give the nation, and indeed the whole Commonwealth. Can't wait to see what Harry and Meghan will achieve in the years to come.