Linda Soderberg McKay, 1960
A grou
p of East High classmates which included Vicki Petit Foss (left), myself (Linda Soderberg McKay), and members of the East High basketball team were waiting on an elevator at the hotel where we were all staying in at the state basketball tournament. Two of the basketball players were black. When the elevator door opened some people on the elevator said the black players could not get on the 
elevator.
I can see to this day Vicki saying, “Oh yes, they can.” She took the arms of the players and walked into the elevator. Not another word was said by anyone on the elevator. I was so proud of Vicki’s courage. Today, I am even prouder of her. She was way ahead of her time in standing up for all people to be equally respected.
Vicki was probably a bit over 5 feet tall and seeing her taking control of the situation, standing between those two tall players, was a sight to see.😊
At right, Elmer Walker. Surviving members of that great basketball team recall that Elmer and Charles Trammel ’62 were the players with Vicki on the elevator.
Vicki had many endearing qualities which were recognized by her colleagues. I am really pleased to hear this story. No wonder she was so well loved!
It’s great to learn of things which likely made a difference for others, especially when you weren’t aware of doing it on one level. No need to embarrass Lee, but I recall at one reunion a Black football player thanked Lee for welcoming him as an incoming transfer student. Lee remarked he didn’t recall as you just welcome people. Second, he reasoned that if the fellow noted Lee welcoming him…plenty of others didn’t welcome him!
I was stunned as my daughter was telling us about her fourth grade teacher, but never mentioned she was Black, something I suspect many of us would have noted soon. I observed some blatant discrimination against my Cuban wife in some settings early, asking why she didn’t kick hell out of somebody. She said she learned to keep quiet and work harder. Great female friend grimly told me most people like me don’t understand that white (male?) privilege didn’t mean we got everything we wanted….
Good for Vicki!