LUTHER GARIC BELLINGER

Someone else would pick it up. We would be totally re-energized from the acappella singing and were able to carry on with our tasks. We got the job done and didn't complain about it!

My greatest personal achievement has been the ability to get minority children to understand both the theory and practice of mathematics. Even with non-performers I could teach them to the point where they could talk about set theory; about individual mathematicians contribution to the field, and I could condition them to enjoy mathematics. My other achievement has been to become an authority on the four Gospels, which gives me strength from God.

An adversity in my life was picking the cotton when it was so hot that even dying was too much effort. This adversity made me what I am today. I have taken advantage of being Black. That's where I get my strength. I have learned to utilize what people throw away --- ideas to strength.

My occupation is serving as Director of Community Affairs for McDonnell Douglas Corp. I enjoy promoting the development of good relations and open communications between MDC and the communities in which it has facilities, particularly with respect to minorities. I enjoy ensuring the sensitivity that MDC has to the social, economic and business environments in which it operates and also to show the community that MDC is effectively pro-active in its support of worthwhile community programs and its encouragement of employee participation in community affairs.

Three organizations to which I belong are Pilgrim Congregational Church, The Anniversary Club and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Three awards that I have received are the Distinguished Service Award in Virginia on June 3, 1971; The State of Texas presented me with their honorary Texas Citizen Award on March 28, 1974, and I received a Commendation by Pres. Jimmy Carter of Recognition for Exceptional Service to others in January 1981.

My hobbies are interior decorating and public speaking. I enjoy the MCNEIL-LEHRER REPORT and SIXTY MINUTES. My favorite book is Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." With anyone that I meet, I recite these tales, but I personalize them.

An instance of discrimination: I attended Notre Dame University on one of three National Science Foundation Fellowships; one at Case Institute and one at Davidson College in North Carolina. At Notre Dame, a nun came up to me and asked me how many games we were going to win this year? I told her, I came to win, sister, but I'm not on the football team. I'm on the academic team. I came to carry the sheepskin, not the pigskin. (I weighed 260 pounds at that time and she just thought I was a football player.) We became the best of friends.

As a child, I received corporal punishment when required. My last punishment was for making noise outside of the church while services were going on. The other kids wanted to ride my bicycle and I was telling them no, loud and clear.

When my brothers and sisters and I get together now, we talk about our hand me down clothing we use to have to wear. When we see each other now, as rather prosperous adults, we ask each other, what Goodwill did you get that from? We recollect about the cotton fields, old clothes, and education being the greatest equalizer that there is. We talk of our parents who had the foresight to insist on our getting an education.

My mother earned her high school diploma at 57 and learned to type at age 60.

1 live in Hazelwood. It's close to work and good neighbors make a good neighborhood. I have developed a rapport with the school district.