You had me cheering through the next four ripping roaring great paragraphs. People always thank soldiers, but I think its time we also started thanking people like you for your service to our country.

If more white people did the things you've done, they would have black friends. In fact, their black friends would be old friends by now. They'd have made memories together, raised kids together, laid parents to rest together, and stood beside each other in good times and bad.

White people, keep complaining they are lonely but refuse to get involved in their civic lives. Be it volunteering, organizing, mentoring, or politicking, civic life is rewarding and meaningful. Civic life is where people meet people who are not like them - and become friends. Its where teamwork matters most, and every compromise is a victory that moves us closer to our dreams.

If not for civic movers and shakers, civic entrepreneurs and civic leaders Democracy would have died a long, long time ago.

Mr. McFadden, you are only one of three people I've encountered on Medium, that is fully engaged in civics. With a little more than 50 years invested in civic life myself, I know what you've done, so when I say thank you for your service, I am sincere.