Jimmy Harris, where are you?

Our high school class had been a group of iconic teenagers in American society.  We knew nothing of drugs or violence.  We were always working hard to be our best.  Of course we had fun too -- you know, going to Jones Beach, Playland or the Pelham Picture House.  We lived in Pelham in the 1950s, a fairly typical suburb in Westchester County with tree-lined streets and well-cared for homes.

Some of our parents had prejudices which, unfortunately, were heightened by the effects of World War 11.  As an Italian-American family we, along with Jewish families and blacks were not permitted to join the local country club nor any of the other social clubs in our area.  We were told these clubs had a 'restricted membership'.  We were made to feel inferior, unwanted, segregated.  While I lived in one of the larger homes, some of the neighborhood children would say to me, "My mom and dad say that you and your family should go back where you belong".  I kept on asking my mother what that meant, where did we belong? She would shake her head in disbelief and reassure me this was indeed where we belonged and not to think about it anymore.  Years later, at Pelham High, I was relieved that my classmates did not echo the attitude of their parents.  They were tolerant and considerate.  Still, I often wondered how Jimmy Harris felt -- being the only young black male in our class.  Jimmy was brilliant, an outstanding athlete and well respected.  We had elected him Junior Class President and Captain of our Track Team.  Had he felt excluded as I had, as Jacob Epstein had?  In our senior year Jimmy moved back to Mount Vernon and went to A.B.Davis Hgh School.  He would have graduated as we had, in the Class of 1953.  We lost touch with Jimmy and though we've done exhaustive searches we've had no luck in finding him. A.B.Davis no longer exists and we haven't been able to access any records.

We had a fabulous three day celebration for our 50th class reunion in October 2003.  Out of 127 classmates (21 deceased) most of us attended.  There was so much hugging and smiling during our cookout, boat ride up the Hudson, our visit to school where we presented a gift check to our school and a gala banquet.  We've held several mini-reunions and major ones since then and many of us email each other several times a week.  The only person we've been missing is Mr. James Ellsworth Harris.  We're in the process of planning our 60th class reunion, so Jimmy, if you're out there, please contact me.  We want you back with us again.