Why ROXY ROCA?
People always want to know how we came up with the name “ROXY ROCA.” I’ll let Taye break it down for you:
I grew up in the deep south. Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi were all places I called home before Austin. Growing up like any kids in the 80s I enjoyed the amazing sitcoms that spilled over from the groovy 70s. One of my particular favorites was The Jeffersons. I just loved everything about it, and I can still bust out the George Jefferson strut! I remember talking about the show to some of my friends in grade school and not understanding why they were not allowed to watch it. They were not allowed to watch “black” shows. Even at a young age I remember a definitive feeling of uneasy confusion. The most memorable character on the show for me was Helen Willis. I remember thinking she was such a classy lady and thought it was so cool that she was married to one of the only white guys on the show. I always thought it was so admirable how The Willises just let all the name calling and ridicule roll off their backs. They saw no color; they saw each other for who they were, and that was that. I later found out that the character was loosely based on the actress’s real life marriage and experiences. That actress was Roxie Roker. I am very proud that my parents raised me in a household where racism was not tolerated, in a part of the country where color lines run deep. It is just something I have always been passionate about. That’s right- my first lesson in civil rights came through the television and Roxie Roker led the revolution.
Sep 12, 2013 @ 11:41:11
I can absolutely relate. I know many who were forbidden to watch “black” themed TV shows often called much worse, and even less tolerated if the characters were portrayed in a positive light. It seemed that shows perpetuating stereotypes were sometimes allowed and even promoted. This was NOT my experience at all, my parents were by no means perfect but there was never even an unspoken racism. I was in fact raised for a period of time with the help of an African American woman with the beautiful name Idella, she was there to take care of us when mom was working, and not a “maid” or portrayed to my young mind as a subservient employee. She was more like a loved, trusted very colorful grandmother, and her husband amazed me with his soulful kindness. The memories can overwhelm me now with my adult knowledge of history. I can’t imagine the racism they felt in 1960′s Texas, and the years leading up to that. My mothers gone now, and Idella would be well over 100 if she were living. I’m thankful that in all of my families imperfections my parents (and grandparents too) put forth a positive, excepting, inclusive message. Thank y’all for inspiring me to reflect. God bless you, my mom & dad, and Idella
Sep 12, 2013 @ 23:19:22
Robert- I can’t begin to tell you how honored we are that you dropped by our site and shared that story with us!