Watching what has occurred in Ferguson, Mo. took Ann and I back to when we were asked to establish a Habitat for Humanity Affiliate in Madison, Wis., a predominantly middle to upper middle class city.

African Americans were relegated to The South Side, a part of town with a poor reputation which was made even worse when families began fleeing crime ridden Chicago (anyone remember Cabrini Green?) in search of a better life only to have drug dealers follow them in search of a new market.

I mention this because we soon found out the only affordable building sites were located on the South Side. As Ann and I were “outsiders” we began introducing ourselves to leaders within the black community who started opening doors for us and helping us get to know the neighborhood.

Pizza deliveries could not be made after dark. TV news-people wouldn’t come into the area without police protection. Drug dealers told parents: “We know where your kids get off the school bus so keep your mouth shut!”

While some people were worried about working on The South Side, others donned work clothes and helped build our first Habitat home with Rudy, Chavay and their three children. We set up picnic tables with volunteers bringing in lunch. Blacks and whites sitting side by side, some for the first time, sharing stories about themselves or discussing the latest Packers game.

Stereotypes and myths were collapsing as we worked together —laughing, crying, hugging, sweating, and banging our thumbs with uncooperative hammers. People from ALL walks of life getting to know, trust and respect each other.

Whether you’re talking about Madison or present- day Ferguson, people are often prone to let their imaginations and, yes, their prejudices control their thinking.

Picnic tables and work clothes can be wonderful equalizers.