People have said the Democrats have no central focus. I think we do — and that’s inclusion.

When I was a little girl, a lot of things seemed wrong. Why were there “colored” and “white” water fountains and bathrooms? Why did some people have to sit in the back of the bus? Why could some people not go to restaurants and swimming pools? Why could I not do some things because I was a girl?

While many of these outward signs of discrimination have been eradicated, there are still horrible feelings left inside, growing as cancers in this country that was founded by wealthy white men for wealthy white men. 

Virginia was the first state to decimate theAmerican Indians and steal their land, and to barter human souls into slavery. Even white women were chattel property.

It would have been a wonderful contrast to Virginia’s past and a true victory for inclusion if Virginia could have been the 38th and last state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

But once again, it was not to be. We will keep working.

We live in Blue Virginia now. I really would like to be equal under the law before I am under the ground.

FRANCES BROADDUS-CRUTCHFIELD

Powhatan County

The writer was honored March 9 with the Distinguished Service Award by the Powhatan County and Goochland County Democratic Committees.