My mother, Jmae Dorothy Weaver, graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit as part of the class of January 1941. Mom should have graduated in the following June Class, but had been skipped a semester in grade school to put her ahead of where she started. It must not have been that great of an experience for her since she came out opposed when the same process was being considered for me.

This picture must have been one of my grandmother’s favorites since she kept it on her dresser in her bedroom for as long as I can remember. I found it in the mass of photos that I went thorough while clearing out my parents’ home after the passing of my father. In the bottom of my mother’s jewelry box, I found the class ring and the cameo on a gold chain. I had never seen my mother wearing either.