I
was in Fort Wayne Indiana, where, for those of you who do not know, is
"white good old boy" territory. In any event, I was out traveling with
Stayabhava who, happens to be in a very dark black body and Ramachandra
Prabhu. We were in a huge mall parking lot, so we split up and worked
the different lots. After some time, I found I was suddenly surrounded
by three Sheriffs cars who drew their guns and told me to put down the
bag, referring to my sankirtan book bag. I was completely
stunned. These guys looked really trigger happy, as I'm sure nothing
much happens in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I placed the bag slowly onto the
ground. The situation was very tense. They had me lie on the ground
face first with arms and legs spread as they began searching my
clothing and the bag. They all seemed somewhat scared to approach the
bag. But they did. When they discovered the contents they were greatly
embarrassed. To play out the scene, they closed the bag, hand-cuffed me
and put me in a Sheriff's car, while a pretty good size crowd began to
assemble. In the car was the Sheriff himself, sitting next to me, with
two other deputies in the front seat. He was the epitome of a good old
boy. Anyway, he looked me in the eyes with a proposed intimidating look
and said, "Where's the nigger?" I acted as if I knew nothing regarding
a black man. He gave me the usual police threats, deals, you name it,
he practically offered it. I refused to give in, and let me say that
this man was extremely angry. He personally proceeded to drive me
straight to the prison as he continued to attempt to intimidate me
along the way. Not surprising, he had me in a cell awaiting
arraignment. The rule of thumb per say is that while out on Sankirtan,
if one of the members of the party becomes separated after a certain
point in time, then we contact the Sankirtan leader back at the farm
(New Vrndaban). When I was brought before the Judge I saw Ramachandra
in the court room. The Judge simply looked at me and said, "I don't
know who or what you are, but I don't ever want to see your ass in my
town again. Case dismissed! By the way young man, that will be $750.00
payable immediately." We paid the $750 and met up with Stayabhava in
some little town near Fort Wayne. He told me that he had approached a
white woman and she completely "wigged out", as if she had never seen a
black man up close in person. She was shocked, appalled and terrified.
Therefore, she notified the local law enforcers, saying that several
men were canvasing the mall parking lot trying to hand things to
shoppers. Well, Stayabhava, being well aware of the geography and the
mentality of the residents there, he promptly pulled off a successful
escape to safer ground. We laughed it off, but were disappointed
regarding the $750. It was another chapter in my book of Sankirtan
Stories.
Your servant,
Priya