Because I was black?

By Rusty Walker

When serving my first few years in the Air Force, I was driving my new 1969 Mustang convertible. I was stationed at SAC Headquarters, so I was checking out Omaha, exploring the countryside. Soon I noticed I was being followed by a patrol car. He put on his lights and pulled me over. I was not speeding and knew it; there was no justification for pulling me over, yet he did. He checked my registration, ran it through the system, with no problem.

I said, “Why did you stop me?” The officer then transparently made up a story, “Oh, a car matching your description was involved in a crime.” I knew this was not true. My car was a brand new Special Edition 1969 Mustang model, unusual jade green color, with a white top and interior. The only one of its kind. I had bought it out of the showcase window.

So, obviously, I was pulled over because I was black, or black and in a nice automobile.......Read more