[Kevin]

We voted to integrate in 1968. Since then, blacks who have met the same requirments as white members have become brothers. It's unfortunate that it took that long, I think we missed a lot of great brothers because of that rule. It only passed by 1 vote after having failed 2 years previously. Y'all might have heard about that though with Brother Tom Johnson coming out against Brother Trent Lott after some of Brother Lott's statements at Senator Thurmand's last birthday party.

In some places, race isn't an issue, in others, it is. No one can "force" integration in our types of organizations. It just happens because cultures change and dividing lines fade. I like that we're becoming a much more accepting culture, but there is a ways to go yet.