Horace Mann Bond was the president of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania where his three children grew up. They spoke of the "who's who" of famous African Americans of the day whom they saw: Miles Davis played at the dances, they hung out with Paul Robeson, and Jane spoke of meeting Jackie Robinson. As children they were encouraged to read widely; it was not unusual to see everyone at the dinner table with a book. The freedom of living on a college campus gave them great opportunities and yet they were not protected from the world of prejudice--their father made sure they knew of the struggles; he told them of hangings, of difficulties in the public schools.

Both James and Jane talked about their formative experiences at The Cambridge School of Weston. James recalled the Bob Dylan song of the time (“Ramona”): "…you're better than no one, no one is better than you." Their father was a "Race" man, always telling stories of the strength of African Americans. The Bond children have followed in his footsteps and each described the power of being Black, inherited from their parents.

It was touching to share in this moment and to see Kit St. John '63, John Franchot '63 and Devorah Levy ‘65 supporting our 'Bonds.'

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Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.