Dear FRONTLINE and especially June Cross,
The show was amazing; wonderful. I was mesmerized from the first moment to
the last. It was entertaining, and valuable to the national dialogue on
race. (Or at least in attempting to get one going...)
The most important thing affecting me and my family situation was the final
statement that we "have to keep talking." Our family won't talk, so you made
it clear to me why no progress will ever be made here! Your mother did make
an effort, and it appears she will continue to. I can't help wondering about
the after affects of such an open exposure have been, however.
June, I only wish you had pointed out that you are biracial; you are as much
white as you are black. Of course I realize there are good reasons for
thinking of yourself as black since society does and you were raised with
that thought, but as the white grandmother of the most wonderful one year old
baby girl, who happens to be biracial, that's who she is and I wouldn't
change a thing!
Thanks so much for the show. I loved it, taped it and feel better for having
watched it. I hope it will be rerun for others who missed it.
Sincerely,
S.R.
San Diego, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
In the [press] review section, I am struck by how many of the professional critics took Ms.Cross
to task for not expressing outrage at her mother. I felt that
Ms. Cross presented herself, the topic and her family with dignity
and sensitivity.
Perhaps the disappointed critics should turn to TV talk where participants scream,
rant and rave then leave
with 20 minute fix or 2 minute quickie solution by therapists who have a book to
promote.
I never had the impression that June Cross did this story to
get revenge on a mother who denied her existance however
understandable those feelings might be. It was my impression that Ms. Cross wanted
to
raise the questions we all must answer. In my opinion, she
succeeded.
Congratulations to Ms. Cross for taking her personal story and
successfully helping us take a glimpse into the mirror.
Anonymous
Anchorage, Alaska
Dear FRONTLINE,
This was a marvelous program. June is able to show each
person's humanity, frailties, and strength of character
clearly and without judgement.
I wanted very much not to like Norma. It would be very clear
cut to say that she abandoned June for her self interests.
However, she obviously was determined to remain in her
daughter's life and not to abandon her.
I kept looking for the point in the story where there would be
an "AHA!" so that all would be solved and the characters
would live happily ever after. Clearly, there were no easy
answers in this situation. There was no single right path
for all of the characters to have taken because the issues
were cultural not individual in their scope.
While race is the primary reason for this story, June's comment
on class being the defining difference is a highly accurate
description of the issues. The juxtapositioning of her mother
as a depression baby of lower class white people scraping out
an existence on the prairie and the woman her mother became as
opposed to the woman that the "pretty" cousin became were very
interesting. The tenacious questioning of June's friend about
abandonment issues was hard hitting. While June was very
evasive in the questioning, her theraphy obviously worked.
It is clear that June is sorry for the bad feelings she had with Peggy and does not
want
to waste losing her relationship with her mother.
This documentary is a wonderful example of someone who has
moved beyond the pop culture of victimization as a rationale
for behavior. Each person could have been a victim of racism,
classism, and many other "isms". The fact is...they chose to
live their lives in the fullest available scope.
This is a celebration of the fact that we are human. We make
mistakes and don't always understand why things happen but if
we seek compassion, understanding, and personal tolerance from
those we love and treat them with equal compassion, understanding
and personal tolerance, life can be bountiful.
Whatever Norma did, or didn't do, June has a wonderful
education, sense of self, and has obviously been surrounded
with strong, loving, people in her life.
Norma, too, seems to be a wonderful person with great insight and sensibility
for what is real. His vision of racial inequities in this
country are accurate and insightful.
Bravo June...thanks for sharing your story. It is a story
of our culture and our times for the past fifty years and
gives hope for the future!!
A.C.
New York, NY
Dear FRONTLINE,
This was a bit more than your typical mother/daughter story
or the power of bad parenting. What it so vividly portrayed
was the power of white skin in this society. White skin will allow
one to slip into the Black world, enjoy the warmth and excite
ment and to slip right out when it is no longer convenient
to you. It will allow you to study the genius of Black
entertainers, co-opt it, and take it back to the white
world and make yourself a lot of money. It allows you untold
mobility in this world, to move about and live anywhere and any
how you want free of preceived notions or preceptions of your
value. With white skin, in this society, you have one leg up
on others of color to make mistakes and start over unscathed.
White skin allows you a much greater chance to make your dreams
come true.
And people still don't understand why Black folks are so
angry . .
D.J.D.
Oakland, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I had to search out the web site for this program and add
my thoughts.
Like many others, I stumbled into this
powerful and engaging presentation. I also want to
add my applause and good wishes for June and her
family. I am renewed in my belief that it is the family
that comes first, no matter what the cards that life
has dealt. I was so pleased to see the interchange between
June and her mother show that through the pain of their
lives, they were able to show their love for each
other. Isn't that what really matters?
Best to all involved. Hope the healing I was lucky
enough to witness continues through your lives.
Jim Nash
Urbana, OH
Dear FRONTLINE,
I am about your age, a white male and a supporter of Newt Gingrich and the
Republican party. I belong to a country club, think the newsmedia has a very
liberal tilt (even though my wife is a news anchor for one of the networks)
and agree with Rush Limbaugh about 99% of the time.
I just finished watching "Secret Daughter" and wanted to say to you Bravo!
It was not only a fascinating story but the fact that it was your story and
your production and your interviews made it all that more remarkable.
My guess is that both your Grandmothers and your father are all up in Heaven
together smiling with pride.
Jj4k@aol.com
Dear FRONTLINE,
June's story was compelling while protraying a personal triumph/tragedy.
I question June's decision to declare herself as a black person though. I think the
an important step towards diminishing racial boundries is to acknowledge mixed race
individuals as such. In doing so, the qualifier of race begins to loose its
meaning. However, socity forces the choice on to anyone who can be perceived as
having the slightest characteristics of the black race to be defined as such. This
just perpetuates the prejudices.
Marya
NY
Dear FRONTLINE,
Secret Daughter was an excellent documentary. I have a daughter who
is multi racial. Her father and I have always made sure that race was
never an issue with her. I am ordering the transcripts for her to have.
I think she should see how hard it was in the not to distant past to have
a relationship like we have. My heart goes out to June's mother, I know
she did the best she could in the environment she was in, God Bless her.
Ruth Fletcher
Ahwatukee, AZ
Dear FRONTLINE,
I was fascinated with your journey. It was so nice to see African Americans
portrayed as intelligent, thoughtful people who also grew up in perfect little
neighborhoods with nice homes and varied interests and also showed the diversity of
all skin colors and hair types. The ususal NETWORK programs all portray African
Americans as either coming off of drugs or drug addicted, living in run down areas,
& killing each other. African Americans are very diverse, you cannot place us all
in one group. It was wonderful to see the TRUE picture on TV, even if everyone
didn't see it. I sure wish this could be put on NETWORK TV, but I know it won't
happen, Too Many Truths in your story. Thank you!
Michelle Nevels
Dear FRONTLINE,
I just watched your 11/26/96 broadcast on our local PBS station,
KCET, and have a few comments to make.
I don't think I've *ever* seen anything quite like this on television
before. Can I say that I loved it? No I can't.
At times Ms. Cross's composure seemed superhuman. This woman has
talent. She took, in the best tradition of print journalism, a personal
story and made it into a window on our whole culture. The scenes it
provided were clear, familiar and yet still shocking in a personal way.
She made a public "problem" into a personal reality: Us and them.
I found myself talking back to my TV several times during the
broadcast. This is a good sign. I was so involved with her life for one
hour that at times I had to respond, even to an empty room. I think I
understand a few things about race relations much better now. That's
rare for me. I've often felt frustrated by this topic in the past.
Did I love the story she told us? No I did not. I just hope she keeps
on telling stories like it. I know I will keep on watching them. Thank
you Ms. Cross. Thank you very much.
M.D.
Dear FRONTLINE
As a white woman with a black son and a white daughter I am
quite familiar with the racial attitudes in America. I have,
over the years, tried to comprehend the outright hatred of
whites against blacks. At the same time I have lived through
some of the pain inflicted upon some of my African American
relatives.I have not found an answer to the problem. June
Cross has shown great courage in her quest for truth. I think
that ultimately a person to person contact is the only way
to healing the wounds of this country.
To Frontline "congratulations for standing by her side."
Gisela Foster
Campbell, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thanks for sharing your story. I was enthralled and enriched.
I grieve for the little girl, June, whose mother gave her the
message that she was not enough- not light enough, not white
enough-to become her real, living daughter.I also felt
tremendous frustration that June's mother would not say,
"Screw You" to the establishment so she might have an open,
loving relationship with her daughter. (I understand that
given June's mother's background that would have a big leap
-that does not ease my anger.)
I also thought it interesting June, that you laughed at some
of the most painful and intense moments in the dialogue.If you
didn't laugh you would cry?
Your story will stay with me.
R.J.J.
Tempe, AZ
Dear FRONTLINE,
Wow! This was a Frontline unlike any other Frontline I've
ever seen. I was spellbound the entire two hours. I've
always wanted to know what it must be like to have grown-up
a bi-racial child at a time when we were not as accepting of
bi-racial marriages as we are today. I know that some of the commenters
believe that things haven't changed much in four decades,
but I think we need to have perspective. We haven't yet reached the
"Promised Land" in race relations, that Martin Luther King had in mind in his 1963
speech, but we're well on our way. Our path has its zigs and zags, like the forty
year march of the Jews through the Sinai Desert to the Promised Land, or
like a sail boat tacking back and forth on its course. June Cross's
film was both a personal saga and a work of art, documenting
the culture and entertainment world of the 50's and 60's. I
was sorry to see the story end, because I know there is a lot more
to say. I also know that it's a "work in progress" as is June's
attempt to gain some understanding and acceptance of what
happened and to get on with her life. It took lots of courage
for her to produce this and for her mother to open up in
front of Frontline's cameras and tell her story for all of
us to hear, even those virtual folks in Palm Springs that
she imagined as passing judgment on her. The lesson here is
that most of "what we have to fear is fear itself." Once we
get over the fears and prejudices that we all carry around with us
and which prevent us from being open and genuine with both ourselves
and with others, we can really start to fly. So, in a sense, this
film helped us to free ourselves of some of the thoughts that "shackle" us, as
well as helping June to free herself. This show informed and helped us
deal with many of our long-held beliefs. That's why it was
a Frontline like no other. I hope that you will continue to
produce new programs for Frontline that explore new avenues. This continues
to be my favorite PBS program.
J.L.
Sacramento, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I really enjoyed watching "Secret Daughter" last night. It was most
interesting watching June gather information and not hurt her mother or her
step father's career.
I don't think I will look at Jerry Lewis as the comic king anymore.
I think June's mother did the right thing but should have given her daughter
a better understanding of the reasons why at a younger age.
I wonder how many other "secret daughters" are out there now. I wonder how
many have less information to start a search for their past. I wonder how
many other "secret daughters" were aborted because their parents were not up
to the pressures of the 40's and 50's.
I know this would make a great book and major motion picture. I hope June
can get these tributes for herself and her parents.
Peace to you,
J.J.
Dear FRONTLINE,
My wife and I watched Frontline yesterday evening and found "Secret Daughter" an
engaging, certainly sad, but most awakening documentary. I had never heard of
Jimmie
Cross, but was so glad to get to know him last night. As a youngster, I was a fan
of Jerry
Lewis, as well as Larry Storch, and it was very interesting to meet the godfather of
a
style of humor I grew to love.
Getting to know Norma, Peggy, and the rest of June Cross's family widened the scope
of
the program. For my wife and I, the racial gap in this country was narrowed for
those two
hours. I wish there were a forum where we, as persons of different races, could
learn
from each other as much as was learned from "Secret Daughter."
Note to June Cross:
Excellent work, June. Thank you for your courage in presenting a story so
personal, and
at times so difficult. It is clear that Stump's talent lives on in you. I can see
his smile.
R.E.
Colorado Springs, CO
Dear FRONTLINE,
June Cross's story taught me something other than might be expected:
"Fast ladies" and "fast men," no matter what the color, can
be blamed for originating all sorts of problems, including
June's.
June never mentioned that (or hs she learned ,yet) that
unmarried affairs - the type that do not lead to committal,
which are most) lead to all sorts of illigitimacy.
Illigitimacy of mind, body, soul, and spirit are a few of
the repercussions that are born from, as we used to call it,
wild living.
Now June is forwarding the legacy of illigitimacy by traveling
with her "partner" (Maldrin?) into that same territory
through which her mom journeyed: Illegitimacy.
Perhaps June will yearn less for the Stump and more for
the "Tree" of life.
Sincerely,
J.C.
Akron, OH
Dear FRONTLINE,
June Cross had DELIVERED a major gift to us. Her courage, as
she dares to look into the rear view mirror with thoughs
sitting in the back seat is inspiring. The balance she
demonstrated along with her opening her own 'Kimona' touched
me. I did not feel like an 'on looker', I felt the strength
she had working through some very painful experiences.
I would just like to add...
June you are 100% who you are, not 1/2 Black, 1/2 white.
I believe you're a whole person who has embraced the Black
experience. Reclaiming all your heritage is very important
in healing. Thank you for letting America see you and gain
a rare insight into the evils of racism that linger today.
Thank you for showing how everyone is affected Black, White,
all of us...and maybe most importantly that we are all
connected...forever. Your survival and saneness
inspires us all.
S.D.
Farmington, MI
Dear FRONTLINE,
What an interesting story! I had known for many years that in the south white women
who gave birth to mulatto children often gave them to black families to rear, but I
did not know that this practice was followed in the North as well. It is truly
fitting that PBS should document this practice, and do it so movingly.
R.S.
Chicago, IL
Dear FRONTLINE,
A riveting profile of courage, honesty and warmth. I couldn't turn it off and go to
bed at my normal time. June Cross's interview technique alone was worth watching
the program, and the cinematography and editing was remarkable for sensing what
should be shown and how long it should stay on the screen. In all, certainly a
prize-winner!
R.S.
Winston-Salem, NC
Dear FRONTLINE,
Only PBS would and could bring us such a moving and wonderful work. June Cross -
you have such courage and spirit to share this most intimate part of your life with
everyone who watches public television. Have always loved Frontline, but now find
that this is one of the two most important pieces ever done by Frontline (the other
was on abortion). The irony is that Frontline and June have brought us a story that
is quite personal, but are likely to change the course of our lives and our
perspectives of others.
June...you are very, very, very special!!! I hope that my cousins (who are
multiracial) will see this show. (Also, just love your aunt from Idaho...she is
something special!)
R.B.B.
Stone Mountain, GA
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou, Your show was very moving, touching, almost made me
cry. I related to
some of the situations like being light complexioned , like myself. I loved the
history of african-
american culture and entertainment back then. It took a strong woman like yourself
to be able to
forgive and not to forget, but to see the good in the situation. Would you have been
better off if you stayed
with your mother, or the way you were raised? I too felt maybe your mother did do
the right thing because she
seemed to be caught-up in the race\class thing at that time and maybe if she kept
you, things could have been
worse for you. I give her much credit in her honesty despite the pain of being
truthful to you.
I wish I could meet you personally to thankyou for an EXCELLENT piece of work. I
know you worked extremely hard
producing your story. With the talent you showed doing this, there should'nt be
anything to stand
in your way. As a black man I enjoy to see our black women excelling in their
carreers. Please, don't let this be
the only time this show airs.
This is what I call quality television!
Thanks Again,
Robert D Melton
Washington DC
Dear FRONTLINE,
I have watched Frontline for years and have often presented previous
shows to students enrolled in my college courses. I believe Secret Daughter was one
of the most profound shows I have seen on Frontline. I was transfixed until 2 am
watching the show. June Cross has created an autobiographical expose that
eloquently demonstrates the complexity of race and ethnicity issues in the United
States. It is often difficult to relate all the issues that accompany discussions
of physical characteristics (i.e., race) and their relation to adoption of
particular ethnicities. I salute June for her wonderful demonstration of how these
notions influence and permeate the lives of real people, and how such social
categories limit the choices one can make.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Willis Esqueda, Ph.D.
Lincoln, NEBRASKA
Dear FRONTLINE,
June Cross' auto-documentary was fittingly disturbing and enthralling.
Her interviews with her mother were painfully candid and real, and the
cross-section of individual and social forces Cross highlighted wove a
complex and very human tapestry. Congratulations to Cross and kudos to
Frontline for giving us quality programming.
Patricia Feito, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English
Barry University/ACE
Dear FRONTLINE,
What an amazing story! Secret Daughter reached out and
grabbed me. I have never had a story leave me with such
a loss for words. I belive that the world needs more people
like Ms Cross. If this story does for her, what she had
hoped it would do, then may she have the peace that she is
looking for. If the story touched other people as I have
been, then may she have the courage and strength to keep up
the good fight. Thank You.
Calvin Allison
Conway, AR
Dear FRONTLINE,
Persons like June Cross and myself have been volunteered to be pioneers in a process
that will, eventually, end all reasons for racial separation. We've been thrust
into such positions and are confronted with pressures most folks could never relate
to. However, societal evolution has put us at the vortex of the most divisive
difference our nation has faced and will continue to face for many years to come.
Thank God, such situations make such strong, smart and honest people like June
Cross and myself to lead our world away from the great color divide. June Cross has
my highest compliments for her family truth which we all must deal with and cure.
Kevin Harmon
Redlands, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
A most wonderful presentation of a complex topic! Thanks
for having the honesty and courage it took to present your
story. We are fortunate that you have a family that has
been able to talk about itself in such an open manner. I
hope that your film will be made available to schools and
other environments that encourage discussion; I know that
I have enjoyed the conversations that this has sparked.
Normally I support the "Kill Your Television" bumper sticker
but every so often a program such as this comes by and
causes me to feel grateful that I have not done it.
Larry Fahnoe
Minneapolis, MN
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thank you for sharing your story. I grew up in New Jersey about the time
your father tour the chitterling circuit. Specifically at the ADAMS Theater in
Newark, NJ. Having grown up in Orange, NJ and witnessed many interacial couples who
maintained their secret love from the general public, I can appreciate the trauma
which one undergoes as s/he searches for his or her real family. Your story like
that of James McBride "Color of Water" are the stories that eventually will greatly
assist this country in understanding the depths to which racism reaches. God bless
and keep you always. May God also bless your mother for coming to the forefront and
acknowledging her beautiful daughter.
Col James A. Manning
Seattle, WA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I thought Secret Daughter was fantastic. I was riveted - congrats to June Cross. I
am a black American, have spent the last 14 years in Southern Africa; have a white
husband and two biracial children. Who are not "browning up" like June did!
I wanted June's mother to come out and be a hero and fight the system. I still wish
she had done that; had kept June and told everyone to just go to hell if they
couldn't deal with it. I guess, though, that part of June's story is her coming to
grips with the fact that her mother either wouldn't or couldn't do that. No
Superwoman ending. That's one of the things I liked best about the film - its
refusal to simplify everything into Hollywood terms.
I'd like to congratulate June for her bravery.
Terri Barnes
Narragansett, RI
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thank you and Frontline for your secret. And talking about that secret!
I've lived in Atlanta, Ga. all my life and have always thought that
the key to understanding one another is to listen to one another. We
white folks don't like to listen, or at least it seems that way sometimes.
If you ever want to do another "lets talk about it" segment, let me know.
I'd like to talk about what it's like to grow up white, in the south during
the civil rights era....looking....watching....wondering what was going to
happen to the world as we know it. And feeling good about it because of
a man named Martin Luther King, Jr. I was proud I lived in the same city!
From the same State. Gosh! Does that really mean a white man can look up
to a black man? But admitting it...that's another story.
P.H.M.
Atlanta, GA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I understand June's reference to herself as black since,
historically, that has been the way we (American society) have labeled those of
"mixed race". But, can't we get beyond this practice as well as this concept? How
many of us would consider ourselves culturally mixed, though perhaps not racially
mixed (the most obvious form)? I believe that healing would occur if racial
differences were acknowledged but not exaggerated. June's comment about social
status differences vs. racial differences upon meeting her Philadelphia relative
was right on. Thanks June Cross for such a thought-provoking piece. Please do
more!
LMM
Denver, CO
Dear FRONTLINE,
Your program, "Secret Daughter," was extraordinary. It was
very moving and courageous, and depicted the intricate
losses, co-optation, and pain of racism as I have never seen
it before.
It was simultaneously personal and individual to a family,
while tracing their connections within the functioning of
professional cummunities of performers on two coasts and
across a sixty+-year timespan. This interweaving, which was
also played out to its amazing and unexpected conclusions,
made this program deeply memorable and uniquely
thought-provoking.
Thank you for producing and presenting this important
documentary/artwork/lesson. As an elementary school
teacher, I am particularly appreciative of its value--both
as a lesson never to be forgotten, and as a validation of
the lives of the innumerable "Junes" that may have thought
they too were alone in the circumstances of their lives.
Sincerely,
Trina Porte
Minneapolis, MN
Dear FRONTLINE,
I just wanted to thank you for a FANTASTIC program.
I can't stop thinking about it. The bubble bath story that
June sites as the moment in which she began to think of herself as
black continues to haunt me. One reason for the shows success, and
in fact the primary reason for its success with me was June's
endearing personality. I think her mother did the right thing
in giving her up. June never would have developed into such a charming
young woman in her mother's world. God bless "aunt Paula" (I think that was her
name);
June's second mother.
I would also like to ask you to air the program again--my mother
wasn't home last night, and thanks to my constant jabbering
she is now dying to see it.
Kathy-Anne Lewis
Brooklyn, NY
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thank you so very much in sharing your story with the
world. I know it was a diffucult subject, but those that
watched, also learned. I will share this program with my
niece, and nephew who are biracial, and no nothing of their
white history.
One other thing, we all learn to forgive. It makes us
a stronger person.
Valerie J. Smith
Aurora, Co
Dear FRONTLINE,
A general constructive criticism:
I think that programs dealing with race continue to affirm that blacks, asians, or
other adaptaions of humans with distinct features are in fact "races". This
continues to be scientifically inaccurate. There is no more significance to skin
color than there is to hair color. These differences arose as a result of
geographic isolation. A prominent anthropologist asserts that it takes as little as
5,000 years for a group of people living in a geographically isolated situation to
develop distinct features in the population. It is probably that Americans are
creating a unique "look" as they live and mix together.
From that point of view, this pursuit of "black" blood in prominent families seems
to ve fairly futile and of only marginal interest. If you study history you will
find there was a lot of "mixing" as the moors conquered Spain (and it was then the
blacks who were in the position of power then) and many other civilizations of
darker features ruled over others. Looking back at our geneologies we can find
that most of us have mixed blood in us. Most people in Europe are "mixed". Most
people in America and most "blacks" in america are "mixed". Going back far enough,
wether you believe in creation or in evolution, we all come from the same pair of
individuals, so as they say, we are all related. But we all share in that original
sin, of greed, I believe and self interest.
This futire pusuit of "color' in a family downplays the importance of economic class
in creating these separations. June Cross could never have been successful if her
mother did not do what she did and who paid for her Harvard education? It seems to
me that somewhere there was money helping her cross those lines and that money,
posibly the money her mom made, played a very important role in her development and
education. The issue of what money passed hands and went to her "adoptive" family
never came up. It was avoided. Why?
Her relatives in the black community that were left behind did not have these
opportunities. So, the issue was always money, and not race. It has been money
since time begun and it continues to be money that separates us.
L.L.
Yonkers, NY
Dear FRONTLINE,
I thought the show was very dull. June said something about
"all white people" see blacks in a certain light, she is
1/2 white therefore according to her own racest statement
1/2 of the time, she must also see blacks the same way us
whites do. Imagine if I, a white male, said "all blacks...."
on a television show, I'd be labeled a racest, where does
June fit in? Maybe when you do another special on your own
employees again, we'll find out eh?
Mark
Burbank CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
June Cross's autobiograhpical documentary, Secret Daughter,
had me riveted to the television. I happened upon her story while I
was channel surfing but I caught approx 90 minutes of the
story.
I ran the gamut of emotions as the story unfolded. I admire
her strength, resilience and ability to come through all
she has experienced. This has to be one of the most touching
documentaries I have ever seen.
To June:
In my 45 years on the planet, I've never written to anyone about anything
I've seen on TV. I guess that's why I'm having a hard time expressing via e-mail
what I felt after watching
your story. Secret Daughter was a very moving emotional experience for me.
Very rarely does television make me react like this!
I'm still sitting here in awe! Wow!!
Reggie Tyler
New York, NY
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thank you very much for your excellent work on "Secret Daughter". I would like to
especially thank June for sharing so much of herself and her story with us.
Your program gave me a lot to think about: which, I've noticed, is a rare and
precious gift. I had noticed how much racism divides people from each other; who
couldn't. However, I hadn't ever stopped to think about how racism could divide a
mother from her own child, a child from her own history. Never had I heard a voice
express so clearly how racism denies us what is best in us: our ability to
communicate, to celebrate our distinctness with one another, to listen. I began to
think of all the talent and love and wisdom that was ignored because it came
packaged in an inconvenient color.
Perhaps most striking, however, is the tone of hope that surfaces throughout the
piece. It is a hope that sprouts and grows from our continuing national
conversation about ourselves, each other, and our continuing struggle with racism.
I believe, deep down in my heart, that as we speak and listen with each other, we
will defeat and discard racism, which is our shared burden and disgrace.
Thank you for speaking so eloquently and meaningfully to me tonight.
C.A.T.
Los Angeles, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
First of all, what is Caryn James's [New York Times]problem in her review of the piece? Doesn't she
understand that different people use different coping mechanisms to deal with
trauma within their lives. I thought that Ms. Cross laughed a little too much
throughout the story, but I also thought that she did this to keep from crying.
Secondly, I don't think that elements of the show were repetitious as Ms. James
says with regards to Jerry Lewis"s comments. Whites need to be reminded again and
again that their "kind" not only robbed Africa of resources, but they've also
continued to steal from our culture. I'm currently an anthropology student at
Temple University in Philly and I'm amazed by this soul searching that white
America is presently going through. I don't recall such attitudes in the dominant
society, at least not in Indiana where I got a Master's degree back in 1982. Maybe
there's hope for us after all. NOT! At least not within the next half a millenium
or so, unless humanity faces some extraterrestrial.
R.A.N.
Philadelphia, PA
To FRONTLINE and June Cross,
My husband and I were riveted to the TV set watching this poignant documentary. Many
kudos to June Cross for publically airing her odyssey. This was a moving and
bitter-sweet story. I believe the most chilling and telling moment was when Ms
Cross' mother pointed out the differences between blacks and whites indicating that
blacks aare more accepting of other blacks, while whites are suspicious of other
whites and need to get to know them first. I am a white woman who never really
thought about this before. I know Ms. Cross has got to still be hurting inside more
than she indicated on this beautifully narrated and photographed special. Even
though she has achieved and graduated from Harvard, I believe her family heritage
was gnawing at her emotionally. I hope this broadcast and the positive reaction it
generated does a lot to heal this lovely woman!
Please rebroadcast this show and let us know when.
I.B.
Elkins Park, PA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I can't thank you enough June Cross for being brave, honest, and caring to let us
see and hear this complex and compelling story. I understand and have experienced
the difficulties of being bi-racial. You have brought the level of the conversation
on race to a new high in challenging those who watch this documentary to examine
their own views of blacks and whites in America but also others views and our own
views on those of us that are both. I applaud your strength in being in front of
the camera because I'm sure that was the toughest part. Let me suggest another book
for your listing of readings: Black, White, Other by Lise Funderburg, Morrow & Co.
I am old enough to always wonder if we will ever see a day in our lifetime when
white America doesn't see us as black first then human beings.
R.S.
Cleveland, OH
Dear FRONTLINE,
I watched "Secret Daughter" last night by happenstance. While pausing another show
that had been taped, we saw June Cross's moving personal documentary. We stayed up
late, very late for my unbeleving eight year old, to watch to the end.
Near the end I found June's comment about her father that he was"born a generation
too early" to be very profound. Our society still struggles with issue of race.
But, the issues of today are very different form the issues when June was a child.
We still read about, and experience, racial consciousness. A black sounding voice
getting less help on a telephone than a white one... Yet, June's father can pay,
dance, entertain and work wherever an audience wants him. Also, if June were born
today would she have had the same journey? Would her mother have felt compelled to
have June raised in a black family? I do not think this would be so today.
Perhaps, June, too, was born a generation too early. Her ault life has allowed her
into white society. She has a good education and a good job. But, her childhood
was segregated. This may not be so today.
Barriers still exist today. Some of these are not necessarily racial. June felt
this when she returned to Philadelphia. She observed that class divisions can be
just as strong as racial divisions.
June, thank you for a very moving and provacative piece of work. Perhaps your
story, as well as your bloodline, will be a portent for a less divided America.
D.B.
Skokie, IL
Dear FRONTLINE,
Your program was a disturbing exploration of how guilt, shame and racism
continue to distort our individual and collective relationships. It would be
so easy to condemn June's mother but as the program pointed out, human
behavior is usually driven by fear not love. It takes some of us an awfully
long time to grow into our humanity. We are in desperate need of forgiveness
and healing but to get to that place, we must first embrace the individual
and collective truth about ourselves, a task that we are unwilling to
undertake. In the meantime, our only hope is to continue the conversation
and pray for the courage and vision to help us transform ourselves, our
families and our nation. Your program underlined the healing power of love
and forgiveness. Thank you.
G.A.
Dear FRONTLINE,
I deeply appreciate your effort to produce shows that inform
your viewers about important realities. This is so helpful
when most media productions are either propaganda or presented
from a highly biased point of view. I am 45 years old and
gained more understanding of the race issue in America from
Secret Daughter than from all the other television coverage
I have seen in the last 30 years. Keep up the good work.
K.A.
Boulder, CO
Dear FRONTLINE,
Just had to write to say how moved I was by your documentary. I work as a
documentary editor in San Francisco, which is just to say I see alot of
documentaries. I was riveted to the TV; I wouldn't get up to go to the
bathroom for fear I'd miss something!! So well crafted, so touching and warm,
I love the way it unfolded, and the honesty of everyone interviewed. Your
mother should be very proud of you and of herself for being so brave. I've
worked on and viewed several documentaries on race relations and I'm always
most moved by the bi-racial interviewees. I find the stories so intimate
because the struggle is so internalized and that intimacy supersedes any
political, social, or historical theories of race conflicts bypassing the
brian of the viewer and cutting straight to the heart, where, in my opinion,
the largest change can occur in the shortest amount of time. Will the film
have a life beyond Frontline? I hope to get to see it again and reccommend
it to friends. I actually could see it have a theatrical release- well, here
in doc-friendly SF anyway, the Roxie theatre for example. I wish you great
luck. Thank you so much.
Heidi Jane Rahlmann
Dear FRONTLINE and June Cross,
I thought that your show was exceedingly well done. I stated watcing it
without planning to, and when I saw the subject matter I thought I wouldn't
watch long -- that I already knew it all. But, I thought it was so well
done, that you managed to build and build the story into a very powerful
telling. Every character was beautifully developed. I found myself
disliking and loving the parents, and ending up with a great caring for the
entire family, yet a feeling of great poignancy for the effects of racism on
each one of you.
For five years in my 20s I lived in a predominantly black culture. Later I
had a foster "son" for a few years who was black. There were many lessons
learned through all of that, some very difficult. So, your story was even
more compelling to me personally.
Mostly, I want to thank you for exposing your personal feelings, and those
of your family, to the rest of us. I hope that many, many people watched
the show, because I think it was one of the best I've ever seen that
potentially could develop empathy in the viewers as to the effects of racism
on the happiness of individual human beings.
I hope our PBS station will run the story again. Thanks again!
Judy Garvey
Dear FRONTLINE,
I sat glued to the tv last evening as the story of June Cross unfolded before me. I
want her to know what courage it took to research her background and to display it
before us in living detail. Not many of us would have the ability to forgive our
Mother as June as done. Perhaps this reflects the moral and ethical upbringing of
her adoptive parents. June, you will be a healthier person for doing what you have
done for yourself. It is also a "hidden" gift for your mother, I wonder if she
realizes that you have given her freedom from her secret.
Thank You for your story and I wish you every happiness in life! You appeared to be
a warm, giving, loving human being and someone I would like to know. Best of
everything to you and I will certainly watch for other productions by June Cross in
relation to FRONTLINE, which happens to be one of my favorite tv shows.
J.N.
Zephyrhills, FL
Dear FRONTLINE,
Secret Daughter was one of the most moving programs that I have ever seen. I am so
glad that I found the program while switching the channels last night. Once I
started watching it I couldn't leave my seat. June Cross was fantastic, warm,
intelligent, forgiving, thoughtful and so many other things. Her mother was
extremely brave and I applaud her courage and openness. I cried during some
segments of the program. I laughed, sighed, and felt a deep emotion about how a
small child and mother must have felt to undergo the tremendous social pressures of
the 50's, 60's, 70's and even now. I hope June Cross is nominated for whatever
media awards there are: Documentary, Pulitzer, etc. Hope to see alot more of June
Cross's work. She is a brilliant talent. We need more people like her on public and paid TV.
A.E.C.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Dear FRONTLINE,
I found June Cross' story of her life compelling on both a personal
and an academic level. Personally, she carried me right along
with her on her quest for identity. She acknowledges that she
was lucky enough to be surrounded by loving surrogate parents, but
that cannot completely shield a person from the pain inflicted
by an absent parent(s).
As a scholar, a graduate student in Folklore and American Studies,
I was captivated by the way she crafted her story - drawing her family
tree not just from her biological parents but also her step-father,
acknowledging his place in her life. The story was skillfully
drawn and executed - keeping my interest for the whole two hours.
She did a wonderful job of personal narrative, as well as tracing
the entertainment industry, both black and white.
I was especially drawn to the parallel story of her half-sister
and how their lives mirrored each other.
Job well done!!!
E.L.
Bloomington, IN
Dear FRONTLINE,
Thank you so much again for yet another excellent program.
What can I say I was glued to my TV for almost two hours
and enjoyed every minute of it. As an African living in
the United States, I have always wanted to hear first hand
from a person that understands both sides. I admire June
for her strength and all the crew at FRONTLINE that made
this possible. As June pointed out in the latter part of
the show, the gap between blacks and whites are enormous.
I believe programs like this are first steps that will make
this gap closer.
Ayalkebet Shiferaw
Minneapolis, MN
Dear FRONTLINE,
I thought June's attempt to reconcile with Norma, her Mom, was overdone and
repetitive. It would have been an interesting hour, or even hour and a half
program; but two hours was too long. After an hour and a half, I found myself
looking at my watch, wondering when it would be over.
I don't want to hurt June's feelings, to her it was the most important subject in
her life and worthy of several more hours, to her. But not to me.
Otherwise, June certainly did her homework; the subject was certainly well
researched.
I'd give it a B-, because it was too long.
C.M.
Eagle River, WI
Dear FRONTLINE,
Congratulations to both June and Norma for their courage
in examining family secrets and pain. I was engrossed
for the two hours, and thought about the program off and
on all day. How much richer I feel for having seen their
story. Hooray for their perseverance, and for their
determination to love each other through the years...
despite the horrors that society imposed on them. I'm
so glad to have learned about Jimmy Cross. And the image
of him kissing his baby daughter lingers.
And congratulations Frontline for setting the example of
what quality television can be.
E.O.
Richmond, VA
Dear FRONTLINE,
Dear June, Excuse the familiarity, but after I've spent two hours with you and your family, it
gives me courage. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your film and
the dilemmas of every member of your family. And this is not because I have a
similar story--we were born in the same year, and have the same historical
references, but that's about all--but because you made me care about all of you.
Tell your mother she did good--finally saying some of the things you needed her to
say--regardless of what some of her "friends" might think. There are many of us
out here who will support her. I hope she can draw strength from that. Good luck
in your future conversations. I hope there are many more.
L.D.
San Jose, CA
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