Ross Blakley (Anderson) IV

McKinley Grammar School

Self Employed

I have 7 grandchildren 5 grandsons age range from 10 -1month and 2 granddaughters which are 3 & 2.

We moved to Velda Village City in 69, I went to McKinley but the school was over crowded and they bused us to other schools in the district, we were bused to Bel-Nor, this was the turn of the Civil Rights Movement we we're called the N word by student and parents, they would throw rocks and snowballs at our bus. Once I was hit in the eye with a snowball and yelled out honky and the bus driver didn't even care if I had fatal injuries was she grab me and threw me off the bus now I was only in the 5th grade, I was only 9 or 10 I had to walk home from Nat. Bridge and Hanley to Nat. Bridge and Avondale carrying a Baritone Horn and had to take public transportation to school for that entire week, the school (Bel-Nor) was so racist that they didn't want me to be in the school band, but as you can see I became a great musician through out my years attending Normandy. I had some fun moments with my classmates and staff, But I want to take time out to say thank you Mr. Al Mazzochio ,Mr. Garfield, Mr. Latimore, Mr.Bob Boedges, Mr. Herbert Duncan, not to forget 2 special ladies Mrs. Joyce McBride and Ms. Glenn for believing in my musical talent, showing me different venues of music that I use to this day.