Who knew? I had know idea he was so involved in equality. Bravo.

“When Elvis was asked to play in the Houston Astro Dome, he was asked to leave his black girls at home,” “Elvis said, I’m sorry, but if my girls don’t come, I don’t come. And so we went…”

“When Elvis rode around the arena in a jeep that night, he made sure we had our own jeep, and a little blonde girl driving us. He made sure we were seen!”

When Elvis was scheduled to perform at the Houston Astrodome in 1970, the rodeo officials reportedly requested that he leave his Sweet Inspirations, an African-American female backing group, behind due to racial prejudices at the time. Elvis, however, refused, famously saying, “If my girls don’t come, I don’t come.” As a result, the Sweet Inspirations performed with Elvis as planned.

In a display of solidarity and to ensure they were seen, Elvis arranged for the group to have their own jeep for the arena ride, complete with a blonde driver, ensuring that they were noticed and treated as equals.

This act of defiance against racism and his support for the group became an important part of the story of Elvis’ relationship with his band and his progressive attitude toward racial issues during a racially divided time

Credits: Story of Life (FB)

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Growing up I was a big Elvis Presley admirer. Loved his music and movies. Always fun, and lighthearted. This was before his later years. As his later years came and his drug addiction, alcohol and spiral happened, my heart broke a little. 

But, forever I will remember classic Elvis, and his love and respect of his fellow man, woman, and child. His love of music. His love of life. Reading this story, made me realize how much I will always respect him, and hold a special place in my heart for him. We are all made of good and faults. At least he is no longer in pain. Joined by his daughter, and grandson. All tortured in life at one point or another, and now at peace.

With this story I am reminded of  how alturistic he was both professionlly and personally.

May he forever rest in peace, and may his music and spirit live on.