Strom Thurmond's first daughter shares a very sad story which shows just one
small glimpse of what is going on in the psyche of many people today.
 
The article on Mrs Essie Mae Washington-Williams refers to the
term "biracial" which is a misnomer.  Either Mrs. Washington-Williams is
White ( full-fledged Thurmond with honors and will rights) or non-white ( out-
of-sight / out-of-mind regarded as a sort of human mutt [mulatto]). She was not
treated as the first born child of a proud man/father, that's for sure.  
 
It is ironic that in 1925 it was illegal under SC law for Whites and Blacks
to marry.  This law was not taken off the books until 1998.  I helped vote it
out when I was there 1997-2000 in West Columbia, SC.  There were large
numbers of folks who voted to KEEP the old law on the books.  It would be
interesting to know Strom's position on that "interracial" marriage issue
over the years.  Certainly, he chose not to marry or attempt to marry the
young Black lady that he had relations with in the 1920's and he was no
trailblazer knocking down racial barriers.
 
Articles on SC and Alabama interracial marriage laws 

South Carolina -
http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/11/03/election/ballots/interracial.marriage/

Alabama -
http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/11/07/alabama.interracial/

Thomas Jefferson -
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/jefferson/quiz/4.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/jefferson/quiz/5.html

other -
http://www.jbhe.com/features/37_white_racism.html

Either she's fully and publicly accepted, or not by White citizens.  She was
not afforded such privilege as public acceptance; therefore, the
title "biracial" is meaningless.  She is Black.  She is second class.  She is
colored.  She is not to be thought of as an equal family member let alone as
an heir even in 2004.
 
It's ironic that she has "Washington" as part of her name.  Why are there so
many Washington's?  Just about all of them are Black!
 
I think it is sad that folks disown their own children for "political
reasons" and that folks hide their identities for 78 years to protect
the "political career" of a parent. 
 
Now, this woman is seeking to connect with her father's side of
the "family".  Strom Jr. is her little brother.  He is not some great White
man who would be doing her some big favor in meeting with her.  He would be
meeting his big sister ( not "half-sister" not "biracial sister" but big
sister).  Will the meeting be the start of a family reunion and a time for
healing and moving forward?  I hope so.
 
This great-grandmother is brave.  However, she could have done other things
while Strom was alive to perhaps challenge or change him.  But, she alone
walks in those shoes. Nevertheless, she mentioned something about not being
able to do something about Strom's segregationist positions - not true.  She
could DO something but effectiveness may have been questionable.  I'm not
criticizing her choice of action but pointing out that she could have taken
different actions to challenge the segregation issue.
 
She has a sad but great story.  It may remind one of the story of Sally
Hemings and Thomas Jefferson having relations across race lines.  
The "biracial" children and interracial relations of these famous White men
are held away from the public eye for nearly a century or more.  After the
men are dead and gone, folks feel "free" to talk about the children which the
men never fully owed up to fathering.
 
Of course, there are other more recent cases of famous political figures and
celebrities fathering children outside of marriage and across racial lines. 
Mrs. Washington-Williams' story is unique, however, in that her father set
the world record for tenure in the U.S. Senate, served as Governor of SC,
served as a judge, etc. He served in positions which affected the lives of
many citizens.  Yet, he maintained this awkward relationship with a Black
daughter whom he chose not to publicly claim so as to preserve his image
among White conservatives and to protect the "honor" of his White family
which he DID choose to claim.
 
Mrs. Washington-Williams has found her peace.  May Strom rest in his.