My Aunt Never Ate at McDonald’s: Segregation, Memory, and the Black Gen X Story

McDonald’s was a cultural staple for me—growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, hanging out after games, and later during college nights in Tampa. But I discovered something that changed my perspective forever: my great aunt lived her entire life without ever stepping foot into a McDonald’s. The reason? She remembered when McDonald’s was segregated and refused to serve Black customers. For her, that rejection was unforgettable, and she made a quiet, lifelong stand of resistance: “If my money wasn’t good then, it’s not good now.” In this episode, I share how her story impacted me as a member of Black Gen X—the first generation to live fully in an integrated world, yet still directly connected to those who endured segregation. This is more than a family story; it’s a reminder of the sacrifices and scars that shaped our path forward, and why we must keep telling these stories for future generations. 👉 Tune in as I reflect on what it means to be a gatekeeper of history, memory, and cultural lessons.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.