Hey Ms. Cross, I remember seeing your doc but it’s not here anymore, why did you take it down? Also, I have a question. You were raised by an affluent black family right? Were you ever appreciative of your black mother who took you in and raised you as your own when your biological mother wouldn’t? And did you ever find healing and peace from not being accepted by your white bio mother? From the doc it didn’t seem like you did because it felt like you kept making excuses and justifying your mother’s actions so I was just wondering did you ever find healing.
When the first African-American service personnel turned up in the East of England (constructing air bases and the like) during WW2, the local women thought that ALL Americans were black or dark skinned. These young women mixed with the men, went to dances with them and even ventured into "Pubs" (Public Houses) with them. The young men, far from home, were invited into the homes of local people (many of whom had never seen a black person) and made welcome with tea and cakes and kindness. The young white women were shocked when "white" Americans arrived as they thought that black people were the majority over there in America. Segregation was introduced by white US officers who were shocked at how welcome Brits made the African-American troops. As a result, Jim Crow "rules" were introduced here in my country, I am ashamed to say. Black servicemen were barred from marrying their white girlfriends, including those women who were pregnant by these men, leaving a generation of mixed race children without families. Segregation and racism has to be introduced to societies by ignorant, backward dullards. We should have told these ignorant racists to mind their own business and observe our rules and reminded them of some of our great black leaders and public servants: www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/03/walter-tull-first-black-officer-british-army-coin
Gawd being biracial myself with a less than great relationship with my white mother I can't imagine what it would be like if she was also a racist. What it must have been like dealing with that. My heart goes out.
It's so funny how people are too quick to judge Norma, for me, she did her best taking into consideration of that time. This documentary is an imbroglio at it's finest. And forgiving is a choice, and June did just that.
This is an amazing journey through not only the personal history of both of her families, black and white, but more importantly the history of how race really dictates American life. This documentary meticulously highlights the anatomy of whiteness showing it as it is, American patriotism. America is undeniably revealed to be a white nationalist cult through watching the lives of these people unfold over decades. The ghoulish character of "whiteness" stalks every person in the film, hiding in the shadows, orchestrating all of their lives. The odd hatred, coupled with the admiration and sexual attraction to blacks by white Americans, who are taught to distain blackness, is creepy. From Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin profiting off of her father's genius, to her white mother using her own whiteness to live off of her black father during his "good money times," we can see how whites parasitically feed off of the thing they are taught to revile. The twisted, unnatural construction of humanity, in the form of American social engineering, is put front and center for all to observe. It is undeniable that white culture in America is anti blackness with a cult of white worship being the core of what makes one s true American. Hatred of blacks is something taught to every person of European descent who stepped off of a boat, landing on American shores. Just like the Italian immigrant who wouldn't rent to her "mixed race" parents, European immigrants came and come to America, being given the American flag along with the word nig$#*. I thank Ms. Cross for using her life to illustrate perfectly the insane culture of hatred that makes America an exceptional nation in a not flattering sense. The Black people who raised Ms. Cross saved her from whiteness, which would have surely broken her confidence, confused and destroyed her. The function of whiteness, which is a fundamentally American construction, is to attack and tear down black people or black culture of any kind, that is after whites pick from the bones of blackness, stealing everything we have, claiming it as theirs. What an evil, awful society.
Cant wait to see my daughter that was kept a secret from me. But won't c my daughter at second coming of Christ. So good luck trying to get me inside stadium for second coming of Christ. U have no chance.
This was so compelling and brutally honest, that I'm blown away that I never heard of it before. I actually stumbled upon this and am glad I did. June's Mom was very troubled as a result of her own Mother rejecting her, so it was difficult to develop a healthy relationship with her daughter; she didn't know what it was. Many people grow up with all kinds of emotional dysfunctions as a result of not being validated by Parents. It is a Generational Curse that is addressed in every way but the spiritual way.
What an incredibly sad and touching story. You were, and still are a very beautiful woman. I am from a mixed family of Black and Chinese, and born to parents of the early 1920s. There were lots of complications associated with race.
Watching this again in 2019 It's still so powerful. Did they mention that Norma and Larry Storch had another daughter in 1948 named Candace who was put up for adoption. What a poignant story but so glad it was told. Good good work from June Cross.
I really enjoyed this documentary. I especially appreciated the honesty of June's mother wanting to be a changed agent between the black and white world but was not a strong enough person to do so.
June you are so beautiful! Inside and out. I too admire that you treated your mother with such love, respect and honor. Esp when many in your same situation would not. I see her in your face no matter what anyone thinkis. You are gorgeous in your own right and a beauty like your mom as well. ❤️
Well Done Professor Cross. I heard you on The Moth and needed to know more. I wish I would hear such candor in today's climate. I wish I heard such candor in today's government. This documentary is a refreshing honesty, in a time of tremendous gaslight. It's harsh but healing, this work. Deep examination, in fact, HONEST, examination, leads to social betterment. How does one help in a flood when one refuses to accept that the water is all around simply because it is too uncomfortable to acknowledge?
Long and short is mum had a genuine case of jungle fever but the pressure to leave her 'white' life behind was just too much for her to handle. She obviously didn't plan to have June but again the pressure to hide June, live the black life and hide all of that from her white life was too much for her. June is a beautiful being. Done a lot for her life like most people do. Would Norma 'exist' if it wasn't for June? I think not. the moral of the story is this....if you are not prepared to put up with what comes with the direct evils of the world then don't go around picking fruits of trees just cos you can.
As a mother this devastates my heart....I am sorry June. You are so valuable and worthy. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for displaying forgiveness as it is for you and not about her. Stay well!!
You are a wonderful woman,and hearing your mother's side why she gave you away to a friend made me feel that she was a wonderful woman too,she did that because she loves you.All of you are wonderful people a beautiful family.
What a beautiful story. A lot of us mixed raced kids have some sort of shadows/hidden part related to our family history and this was a beautiful depiction with a very hopeful ending
This documentary ... I laughed, I cried, I felt shame and best of all I felt SO much pride for you June. You are a proud and strong woman. I have so much respect for you!
Hi June! My name is Torkwase. My best friend was the late Bonita Spence. She talked about you but I never really knew who you were until I saw this. Her uncle was Ted Dobson and Aunt Alma. Both educators in Atlantic City. Reach out if you can judgesekou2012@gmail.com
Dear June' I applaud your strength and courage in pursuing the truth even when faced with obstacles. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story. Your documentary is heartfelt and its beautiful that it ends with togetherness and love. Well done!
