A group of men in their late 70s have remained connected since kindergarten, and they’ve done it without the help of social media.

 

They call themselves the Kindergarten Crew. In 1946 they started out as a group of ten boys who met one another through various interactions back at Garfield Elementary School in Washington, DC. 

 

While three of their members have passed, seven remain: Arrington Dixon, 77, Hudie Fleming, 79, Ronald Chase, 77, William Hutchins, 79, Orlando Lee, 78, James Strickland, 79, and Norman Thomas, 79. 

 

In 1988, after the members who went away to the military returned, the group made a commitment to get together, every month, on the second Thursday for fellowship and fun. 31 years later, their standing date is still intact. 

 

During their most recent gathering the group was surprised by the son of one of their members, Bill Lee. As a photographer he knew that it was important to document what he called “Black history.” Because of Them We Can spoke to Bill and his father to learn more about the importance of building relationships. 

 

“This day and age we’re more connected through social media but not as much through neighborhoods. Most of us don’t know our neighbors or the people around us. We’re connected but we’re not really connected. We have a lot of surface relationships. But I think it’s important for us to understand friends and the importance of the village. I’ve known these guys all my life. They’ve been at all the gatherings. They’re not just tight with my father they’re tight with...READ MORE