A P.E.A.C.E. Perspective on Practical Problems
Topic: Joy in Diversity
Diversity comes in all sorts of ways and forms! Consider the many different ways that we all have of being, of communicating, of living our lives… not to mention the visible diversity of hair, eyes, skin… the list goes on!
Jackson Gillman sent a story to the Olive Branch that describes simple acts of kindness and how they help bring about a peaceful community. Jackson is a storyteller and a children’s folk musician. He visits schools to tell stories and sing songs with the children about peace, cooperation, respect for all, and the environment.
His story presents an extraordinary approach to bringing about peace… not the big picture we usually think about, but the everyday ways we can connect with others. Jackson’s story shares the joy he felt when he observed the kindnesses that the officers displayed in the following story.
Security Guards Dispensing Kindness
By Jackson Gillman
As an educational entertainer with Hartford Performs (CT), I return to many schools annually. The security guards become familiar as we go through the mandatory procedure of handing them my driver license and waiting for my image to be printed on a visitor sticker.
Officer Nora Putman is one such guard positioned at the entrance to Capitol Preparatory Magnet School, which serves hundreds of PK–8 students. She is a middle-aged African-American woman, and even in uniform, is always stylish. The computer system is slow with my visitor printout, enabling me to notice some activity in the school lobby. A lanky teen has his coat on and is headed towards the door. At 9 a.m., that seems odd. Before he leaves, Officer Putman very kindly calls him by his name, and says “I know that you can do better. I love you.”
Later I learned there had been some sort of fracas that morning, prompting this early departure. What kind, parting words for this young man to hear as he is being suspended from school.
After affixing my visitor sticker, Officer Putman passes me over to Officer José Negron who will escort me to my performance site. Officer Negron is a tall, broad man with a cheery demeanor. As boy Z, perhaps 10 years old, approaches him in the hall, Officer Negron stops, doffs his police cap, lowers his head, and Z rubs the top of Officer Negron’s sparsely stubbled pate. The cap is replaced, each greeter continues on his way with no words having been spoken.
I marveled at this intimate ritual, and asked,” Do you do that with other children?” “No, just Z.” Officer Negron was going to leave it at that, but I pressed him — there must be a story here.
He recounts that he had to be called in when Z was having a meltdown. “I asked him — Hey Z, what are you so upset about? I’m the one who lost all his hair.Look.”
This curveball baffles Z. His conniption is interrupted. Z looks at Officer Negron’s bared head quizzically.
“Can I touch it?”
“Sure.”
A compassionate tone, a slant approach to defuse an upheaval, a tactile connection, and the result… a mutually respectful ritual.
Neither of the security guards was in sight when I was leaving the school. So, I stopped at the office to ask their names. I relayed my observations, and the secretary smiled knowingly, acknowledging that’s just what those officers are like.
Capitol Prep is a big school. In it are a mama and papa bear dispensing kindnesses whenever they can.
Jackson shares a bit of his work with us in this YouTube:
And, a recording of Little Wheel a-Turning (3 minutes) is viewable as well.
Suggest Olive’s Next Topic
We chose “Dear Olive Branch” as the title for this column for several reasons – foremost as a sign of peace. Also olives come in many colors, sizes, tastes, uses – a sign of diversity just as there are many types. We hope “Olive’s” responses will help you, the reader.
If you have a question for Olive, a short story or comment to share, please submit your ideas through our contact form. Please put OLIVE BRANCH in the subject line. Word range: 150 – 300 words.
