I almost didn’t read this piece because I knew by the title where it was going, and was saddened by the thought. But I did read it and am so very glad I did. I know how we struggle with this issue of race with our talented and smart children (I have three). My children have had to deal with this, and I with them. They’re older than Lola, and are all succeeding in their respective fields, thank God. Because I’ve traveled the path, I suspect Lola will too. I can also tell you that astronomy needs Lola. It is tragic that the elderly retired astronomer, a product of his misguided times, did not seize the chance to mentor her and foster her curiosity and knowledge of this enormous and beautiful universe; despite his knowledge, his world is small. He has obviously not heard of Neil deGrass Tyson of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, or (my brother) Derrick Hartwell Pitts of the Franklin Institute Planetarium in Philadelphia. Or, the many African American female astronomers and scientists in so many areas. So let me say that if an ember of the astronomy flame still exists in Lola and you ever find yourselves in Philadelphia, please let me know (I’ve started following EmbraceRace and I’ll check back here often). If Derrick is around (he travels a lot, these days), I will see to it that he gives her a personal tour of the astronomy areas at the Institute, and call her up front, for sure.

Best,…Neil Pitts