at one of the last food festivals i went to, i had the pleasure and privilege of chatting with an older woman who went to elementary school during desegregation. she taught me a lot about being yourself in spite of society, sometimes specifically to spite society. it turned out she was from one town over from me. she was a hoot and a half and we forgot to exchange names and contact info after chatting for three hours. i’m hoping she’s there this year again.