By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer

Evelyn Charity made local history in 1991 after being hired as the first black teacher in the Hood River Valley School District.

‘“I have been, for a lot of my students and even their parents, the first and only black person they’ve had the opportunity to meet,” she said.

“I am just who I am and I don’t feel scrutinized as much as that people are curious about my culture.”

On Tuesday, she and husband Cardell “Dell” Charity will become a part of national history. They are witnessing in person the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, D.C.

Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States at noon on Jan. 20. The ceremony takes place on the steps of the U.S. Capital. The Charitys and several million other observers on the National Mall will watch America’s first black president take his oath of office.

Dell, who was born in 1947, remembers well the civil rights movement that gained momentum during his childhood and teenage years. His first marriage to a white woman created rancor among her family members, many of whom cut off contact with the couple.

Evelyn’s grandparents were sharecroppers in Arkansas who labored in the cotton fields. She remembers “coloreds” being forbidden to use water fountains frequented by whites. She also recounts her family being denied entrance to some hotels because of their race.

“It does my heart good to have witnessed this change in my lifetime,” said Evelyn.

 “After the election, I think that I walked a little prouder and stood a little taller,” said Dell. “This day has been a long time in coming.”

The Charitys have not based their support for Obama solely on race. In fact, they point out that his mother was white; as was the mother of Dell’s two sons, Cardell, Jr., 38, and Brian, 36. In fact, said Dell, acceptance of all races is inherent in a family with five grandchildren who are an ethnic mix of white, black and either Costa Rican or Latino.

“I think eventually there will be no more prejudice because one day most children will be from more than one race and cultural differences will be appreciated,” he said.

Evelyn, who grew up in Chicago, attended a high school with Jewish students comprising 80 percent of the population. She looks back at those years as an invaluable learning experience about cultural diversity.

“I have always tried to get people to think about how we treat each other and what an impact that has on how we all feel,” said Evelyn.

What drew the Charitys to back Obama, once the Democratic long shot, was his compassion and ability to make people feel hopeful about the future of America. They believe he exhibits the same charismatic ability to rally people behind progress as Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Change we can believe in has pretty much become my mantra,” said Evelyn. “I feel like there are so many possibilities now – I’ve even started a diet.”

A portrait of King that was painted by local artist Gigi Murphy hangs in the Charitys’ living room. They plan to feature Obama as prominently because they believe he will unite Americans and strengthen international relationships.

“Because I grew up in Chicago, I knew about the good work being done by the community organizations that Barack was involved with. I have respected the fact that he, as such an intelligent and gifted individual, sacrificed financially to make a difference in the lives of others. It says a lot about his integrity,” said Evelyn.

She believes minorities can now expand their professional dreams as a result of the election.  Just minutes after Obama’s victory was broadcast on Nov. 4, she received a phone call from her God-son, Saul Ascencio. He expressed excitement about the racial gap being bridged in the nation’s top political contest.

“Saul said to us, ‘Now I believe that my son can have a chance too’.” said Evelyn.

Last year, the Charitys attended an Obama rally in Pendleton and Evelyn had the opportunity to shake the presidential candidate’s hand.

“He thanked me for coming all the way from Hood River to support him,” she said. “It was just so inspiring to meet him; there was a real feeling among the crowd that he genuinely cared, and that his honesty was refreshing.”

For example, she said Obama was asked by one audience member to outline his stand on the storage of nuclear waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Richland, Wash. According to Charity, he admitted to not being knowledgeable about the issue and then promised to check out the facts.

The inauguration is so important to Evelyn that she has been worried all week about getting gridlocked in traffic and missing the moment. Not only does she want a glimpse of Obama, but of Michelle, his wife – a woman that she greatly admires for exhibiting strength and leadership abilities.

“I am so excited, and nervous, and anxious,” she said. “I didn’t get emotional on election night until I saw the first family together,” said Evelyn.

After 26 years of marriage, Dell has learned what steps to take in order to alleviate his wife’s concerns. He has arranged for them to arrive in Connecticut several days early to visit his mother, Mary, who is 82. The Charitys will then show up early Monday morning at the office of U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, who makes his home in Hood River, to claim the entrance tickets to the inauguration that were won in a lottery.

“I grew up in Alexandria, Va., so going back East is just like coming home to me. I know how to get around there and we’ll be fine,” said Dell.

The Charitys relocated from Aspen, Colo., to Hood River about 18 years ago. Their son, Shane, now 26, was the only black child in the neighborhood and the school for many years.

“He became very familiar with other children touching his skin and asking him questions, such as, ‘Did you get that dark because you drank chocolate milk?’” said Evelyn.

The Charitys admit that being a minority in rural America hasn’t always been pleasant. Dell recalls joining a local fraternal organization that for many years had banned blacks from membership. He worked his way into a position of leadership but then one day was openly subjected to racial slurs by several members. When these individuals were not disciplined for their behavior he resigned his post.

Charity, who is retired, admits that incident, and others, caused feelings of deep anger and frustration. But he, like Evelyn, chose to stay pro-active about life and turned his volunteerism toward helping at-risk youth.

He founded the Guys Group in the early 2000s to steer teenagers away from crime and into art and other creative outlets. These days he is actively involved in Hood River’s Big Brother, Big Sister program.

“I do have to admit that it will be nice to attend the inauguration and be around thousands of other black people,” said Dell. “I am very proud to be representing not only my family but the Hood.”