Sometimes, when parents don’t have the time to care for their children or do errands around the house, they hire a housekeeper. Back in the ‘50s, when racial discrimination was at its peak, White people usually hired Black housekeepers to do the housework for them and take care of their white children. Because of the discrimination between these races, White parents were unable to recognize the connection that has been made between the White child and the Black housekeeper. 

 

“It was the key ingredient of love. She knew how much we all loved her fried chicken and she loved making it for us.” 

 

- Mary Sue Rabe 

 

Back in the 1950s, it was normal for White people to hire Black people as workers or housekeepers. A thick line lies in between the two races. A hierarchy could also be seen between the two- the White people were on top, while the Black people were underneath.   

 

In this episode, Mary shares the story of her unique connection with her housekeeper, Rody, and her undying love for her fried chicken. She shares fragments of her memories with Rody as she considered her as her second mother, a Black woman working for a White family. It wasn’t impossible for the connection to be pursued if not for the innocence of little Mary on racial discrimination. 

 

What you will learn from this episode: 

 

• Learn how racial discrimination was present in the 1950s 

 

• Know more about how the innocence of a child on these societal issues has established a relationship, like a mother and a child, and friendship between a Black housekeeper and a White child 

 

• Discover how the feelings of a child were disregarded if a different race, other than White, was included 

 

 

Link to a Free Resource: 

 

• Stand There and Look Pretty Darlin’ by Mary Sue Rabe 

 

Topics Covered: 

 

00:33 - Mary introduces Rody, a Black housekeeper that became a second mother in Mary’s life 

02:18 - Mary realizes the struggles of Rody being a Black housekeeper and a single mother, as Mary is a single mother herself 

03:16 - Rody’s cooking: Mary shares how she loved Rody’s delicious fried chicken 

04:17 - How Sunday nights were the best in their family 

05:47 - When Mary hurt herself and Rody was there to hug and comfort her 

06:24 - Mary shares her experience with Bill when they accidentally started a fire and Rody was there to stop it 

08:54 - Mary talks about her birthday in Jack Tar 

10:36 - How the innocence of a White child ruined the reputation of a Black housekeeper, Mary shares how Rody got fired because of her 

14:22 - Mary shares the sadness she felt after Rody left and how White parents didn’t seem to care about the feelings of their children 

 

Key Takeaways: 

  

“When she was dismissed, part of me left with her. I do not believe that white folks, parents in particular, ever realized the importance of the relationship with the hired help, the deep love and attachment to these caregivers, and the impact they had on the children that they cared for. I was fortunate to have stable, trusted, honest, loving support from the help who surrounded me. For this, I am truly grateful. My life is much richer because of them.” - Mary Sue Rabe 

“To this very day, I remember the pain and how Rody helped me handle it. She picked me up, hugged me, and rocked me until I quit crying and tell me everything would be okay.” - Mary Sue Rabe 

“At an age when a small child is at the center of his or her own universe, Rody was part of mine.” - Mary Sue Rabe 

 

Connect with Mary Sue Rabe: 

• https://marysuerabe.com 

• https://womenhealingtheworld.com 
• Book: Stand There and Look Pretty Darlin'