I’ve had a hard crush on Stevie Wonder since forever. As a pre-pubescent teen, I penned my lifetime one-and-only fan letter. “I’m sorry you won’t be able to read this, but…” That was over 40 years ago. Closer to 50 (let’s be honest).
Early last year, I asked Alexa about Stevie. “Ziggy (my gender-neutral echo’s name), play Stevie Wonder from 1974.” Riding the wave of smooth, synthed, can’t-help-but-move “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” and “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” I absently googled if Stevie was performing anywhere. A one-week, Caribbean, all-inclusive, Black resort vacation sprung up. Curious, I clicked. “SOLD OUT SOLD OUT SOLD OUT” the screen blared. I turned away, back to work.
Then, I found myself back on the webpage. Trip profits benefitted Historically Black College and University (HBCU) scholarships. I filled out an online form to be notified of cancellations, telling myself to let it go. Days later, I hadn’t received so much as a robo-email acknowledging my inquiry. I gnawed thoughts about the trip like my tongue on a rough edge of a tooth.
I’d seen a phone number on that website, hadn’t I?
I called it. They won’t answer, I told myself. And if they do, the trip is sold out. If there’s room, and this works, I can consider it. If not, time to let go.
A southern-accented woman answered the first ring.
“Are there openings for the trip?” I blurted. “And is Stevie really playing?”
“Yes, there are. And he certainly is!”
I was nervous, going alone. I texted close friends and family, all white. They giggled. “I can’t believe you’re doing this!" they effused, “And good for you!” Then they declined to join. My daughters couldn’t leave work, and thought this was cultural appropriation (they had a point). My son-in-law, who is Black, needed to cover someone else’s vacation. I’d feel safer going with him, I admitted.
I exchanged several calls with the woman from the website. I was a pain in the proverbial tuchus, but she seemed unconcerned. I needed a balcony, for fresh air. I wanted to be higher up, for quiet. I’m old, privileged,........