Some of them contained casual references to blacks, but these generally depicted them in humble and subordinate roles, more or less subhuman. Blacks knew from the beginning that their lives would involve desegregation, especially within schools. John, in preparation for his future encounters with desegregation, mowed lawns, emptied garbage cans, helped his father at the gas station, helped sell Cokes at local baseball games. One of his concerns was his “strength.” In his ability to prepare himself a little better, he established an exercise routine. He was physically and mentally prepared for a friendless experience at school