To Sidney, with Love

My New Discovery
Posted by Heidi

I grew up in the 1950s in a town that did not allow African-Americans to live there. My only experience was when the "colored boys" went to the city swimming pool. They were kicked out and the pool was drained and Cloroxed for a week.

It was when I was a new, young nurse in Vietnam and sat in the tiny theater with folding chairs that I saw To Sir, with Love. It was my first experience of seeing an African-American as a whole, magnificent human being. I am deeply grateful for that life-changing experience, because I went on to take care of many soldiers and was able to make no race distinctions.

Sidney Poitier made me a better nurse and far better person. His choice to play roles that showed his full measure as a man was his teaching opportunity.