Beyond The Gates Transcript
Transcript provided by Suzanne
THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!
[“Best of My Love” by the Emotions playing]
Calvin: Good morning, Mrs. Dupree.
Anita: Good morning, Calvin.
Calvin: You look radiant.
Anita: Thank you.
Calvin: And top of the morning to you, Dr. Richardson. May I take your coat?
Nicole: Yes, thank you.
Calvin: Always a pleasure. Let me know if either of you need anything.
Thank you.
Nicole: Mother, you look beautiful as usual.
Anita: Looking pretty swank yourself. Have you spoken to Dani?
Nicole: I texted. No response.
Anita: Well, I hope no news is good news and Dani’s not out there giving her emotions free reign. If so, God help us all.
Anita: How are the boys, Jerome?
Jerome: Oh, you know, this time of year, busy, busy, busy.
Anita: Thank you, Jerome.
Jerome: Oh, my pleasure. Please, enjoy your breakfast.
Anita: Thank you. It never ceases to amaze me how two sisters can grow up in the same environment with the same advantages and turn out completely different.
Nicole: One of the things I’ve learned from my patients… People are born who they are. Outside influence either takes or doesn’t.
Anita: Dani is exactly herself. A force of nature with no apologies. My little force of nature is all over the place right now. Truthfully, I can’t fault her for that. Dani was blindsided by Bill and Hayley’s affair. And she surely never anticipated the end of her marriage. But here’s what I don’t understand, Nicole. Bill moved out months ago. I thought Dani had come to some sort of acceptance.
Nicole: She was getting there. But literally, the minute the divorce is final, Bill and Hayley are booking the country club for their wedding. Set Dani off again.
Dani: Morning, Vanessa.
Vanessa: Oh, well, so much for stop by for a cup of coffee.
Dani: Plenty more mugs where those came from.
Vanessa: Is that? You still have the wedding invitation. Why didn’t you do what everyone else in Fairmont did and toss it in the garbage?
Dani: It’s the audacity. I can’t get over it. It’s bad enough Bill’s marrying that traitor. But to do it here? I will be the laughingstock of Fairmont.
Vanessa: Who are you? And what have you done with Dani? You are picking a hell of a time to start caring about what people think. Besides You’re not factoring in the Dupree of it all. Your family rules this community. Your grandfather built it. Everyone’s on your side.
Dani: Be nice to think so.
Vanessa: Fact! Know what you need? Dedicated spa time. Get your head out of Bill and Hayley for a couple hours and put yourself in therapeutic hands.
Dani: Tempting. Maybe later. I have to meet my mother and sister at the club. They’re worried about me.
Anita: I never did care for Bill. Oh, I put on a good show for the sake of peace in the family, but There were red flags from the very beginning.. Even when he was hiding behind that public servant persona No, that didn’t last long soon as Bill married Dani his true ambition came out just in time to use your father for a leg up Once the criminal law practice took off, we got the real Bill Hamilton with his shiny suits and pocket squares. That calculated charm reminded me of some of the shadier denizens of the music business. Oh, they charm you silly while they took everything. Your money, your gift, your talent, your looks, your pride. Too many talented girls fell into that trap and were never heard from again.
Nicole: Not you.
Anita: I kept my eye on the prize. I was going to be the best at anything I took on. And I wanted to take on the world. No way was I going to be seduced off my path by some jive turkey trying to get over.
Nicole: Well, I wish Dani inherited that gene.
Anita: I often think how different her life would be if she didn’t give up her career for Bill. I tried to warn her. Use your father as an example. Vernon embraced who I was. Never once tried to change me. But, you know your sister. Gets her mind set and that’s it. Nothing would do but to become Mrs. Bill Hamilton. And here we are. Bill’s about to marry the proverbial younger woman and Dani’s a powder keg primed to explode.
Nicole: Naomi.
Anita: She’s still joining us?
Nicole: Just running late. Says something came up.
Ashley: Derek! You didn’t have to do this.
Derek: Sure I did. My lady’s turning the page on a brand new chapter. You need to meet it well fortified.
Ashley: Wow.
Derek: Welcome to the rest of your life, Nurse Ashley Morgan.
Dani: Hang tight, I just got a touch base with Chelsea.
Chelsea: Hey, Mom, what’s up?
Dani: I’m just calling to remind you about your wardrobe fitting later today.
Chelsea: Believe it or not, I know how to keep a calendar.
Dani: Well, it is my job to make sure you are where you’re supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. And so far, I think it’s served you well. Agreed?
Chelsea: Whatever, gotta go.
Dani: Ungrateful little brat.
Vanessa: Do me a favor. Don’t channel your anger and frustration with Bill into riding poor Chelsea. I don’t think you realize the pressure you put on that girl.
Dani: Well, excuse me while I find my tiny violin. Chelsea is a successful model making big bucks. She’s got millions of followers on social media eager to like and copy whatever she does.
Vanessa: It’s a life any 23 year old would kill for. The life you wanted.
Dani: The life I had.
Vanessa: I wish I’d known you in your modeling days. You must have been something.
Dani: Those were some good times. I had so much to prove. That I was grown, even though I was a baby. That I could make it doing what I wanted to do. The entire time terrified out of my mind. But I pulled it off. Fake it till you make it? That was me. The most seemingly confident 17 year old ever on the planet. Until Chelsea came along.
Chelsea: Just when I think mom can’t be a bigger control freak, my phone rings again. Oh, God, Kat, I hate my life.
Kat: We’ll be changing it soon enough. In the meantime, embrace what you do. People will be interested in our brand because you’re Chelsea Hamilton. Fashion icon and social media influencer. We’ll be tapping into that a lot, so don’t knock it.
Chelsea: I just want to get on with it, you know? Once we launch my purse line, we’ll be on our way to giving the Kardashians a run for their money. I’m just not sure about the timing. Mom’s a pain, but it doesn’t feel right to walk out on her just yet.
Kat: But we agreed on a timetable.
Chelsea: I know, I know, but that was before Dad dumped Mom for Hayley. And these last few weeks, since the divorce was finalized and wedding prep started at the club, Mom’s been like insane. If I quit now, she’ll have lost everything that defines her. She gets on my nerves, but that’s my mom. I love her, and I don’t know if I can pull that trigger.
Anita: Mmm. Don’t think all this focus on Dani has made me forget you’re being honored. Now, what’s this award again? I mean, there are so many, it’s hard to keep track.
Nicole: Look who’s talking, Miss EGOT. It’s the State of Maryland Distinguished Service Award in Psychiatry.
Anita: Right. Vernon received one for his work in the movement.
Nicole: It’s a nice plaque.
Anita: It is a fitting tribute for the wonderful, healing work that you do. You consistently make your father and me very proud. Sometimes we don’t say that enough.
Wedding Planner: The wedding’s just a couple days away and you still haven’t given me a final headcount.
Hayley: I’d like all invited guests to be accommodated.
Wedding Planner: I’m sorry, I thought most of them either hadn’t responded or they sent regrets.
Hayley: True, but I’m an optimist by nature. Don’t worry about cost, money’s no object. Excuse me.
Hayley: Dani. Wait.
Dani: What?
Hayley: There it is. The animosity. Feels like something physical. I hate it, Dani. You, Chelsea, especially Naomi. We’re like the family I never had. We were close. And I realized that I can never have it back in that way, but surely there’s something we can salvage.
Dani: You really are a piece of work. I thought we were close too, Hayley. So did Naomi, your so-called best friend. We opened our hearts to the poor little orphan girl all alone in the world. Made a place for you at our table. And you paid us back by stealing Bill? My husband? My daughter’s father?
Hayley: I didn’t intend to hurt anyone.
Dani: How do you live with yourself? How do you look yourself in the mirror every day and walk around this world thinking you’re a good person when you betrayed the people who cared about you? And now you want it to be what? Bygones?
Hayley: If we could just find a way to be civil.
Dani: Back up, Hayley. This conversation is over.
Ashley: Do you have any idea how much I appreciate you? You’ve always been so patient and supportive. I know it hasn’t always been easy.
Derek: Right. Because being with you is such hardship.
Ashley: And to be frustrating. All those nights you wanted to make plans like a normal couple and I blew you off to go study.
Derek: Garland Memorial has no idea what an asset it’s getting today.
Ashley: I’ve wanted this all my life. When I was little. Every Halloween I had to be a nurse. Somehow I knew it was important work even though I didn’t quite understand what that work was. And it meant easing pain. Saving lives. Being of comfort. ”
Derek: You’ll be great. Know why? Because you’re one of the most selfless people I have ever known.
Ashley: I’m honored that you love me.
Dani: Well, I just ran into Hayley. Do you know how much I loathe that woman?
Anita: Well, good morning to you too.
Dani: I can’t believe I let myself be taken in by that cheap conniver. I trusted her. Hell, I’m the one who convinced Bill to hire her. Let’s all laugh about that. Meanwhile, she’s moving in on him. I’m no Hayley fan by any means, but last time I checked, it takes two. And I’m willing to bet Bill was the instigator.
Wouldn’t have been the first time he cheated.
Dani: Look, I’m not making any excuses, but before Hayley, Bill kept his affairs away from home, which made it easier to pretend it wasn’t happening. He got with Hayley right under our roof. I will never forget either of them for that.
Caroline: Law offices of Bill Hamilton Esquire. How may I help you? I’ll let him know. Thank you.
Bill: What is with this schedule? You do realize I’m getting married at the week.
Caroline: I also know you’ll be taking off on your honeymoon, which is why I’ve scheduled you within an inch of your life for the next two days.
Bill: Well, hopefully none of my clients will commit a heinous crime this week. Is Hayley in?
Caroline: At the new house, picking up the keys.
Bill: You know what this is, Caroline?
Caroline: What?
Bill: A new dawn.
Hayley: Hey, Vanessa.
Vanessa: Hayley.
Hayley: You realize that’s the last time I’ll ever have to ring that doorbell? Finally getting the keys to our brand new home. I can’t believe I’m going to be living in Fairmont Crest.
Vanessa: Frankly, neither can I. Mind if I ask, what are you thinking?
Hayley: Excuse me?
Vanessa: You and Bill could live anywhere. Instead, you choose Dani’s community, and make no mistake, it is Dani’s community. Not Bill’s. And these upstanding citizens will rally around all things Dupree and freeze you out.
Hayley: Sell many homes with that negative attitude?
Vanessa: The women who live inside these gates? You’re their worst nightmare. The sexy younger husband thief.
Hayley: But it wasn’t like that. Bill and I didn’t set out to fall in love. Trust me, life would be a lot easier.
Vanessa: No one will care how you justify it. You’ll be a social outcast.
Hayley: Well, I’m choosing to stay positive. Sure, it’ll take time to be accepted. I’m sure Dani’s poisoning everyone against me. But, I am confident that if I’m patient and persistent, things will work out. They always do. I assume the designer has finished furnishing the house?
Vanessa: All done.
Hayley: Excellent. I can’t wait to take a look around. Thanks so much for your help and your discretion.
Vanessa: Just doing my job. Good luck, honey. You’re going to need it.
Oh, Congressman Richardson, man. Good to see you.
Martin: Good to be seen.
Will you be having the usual?
The usual it is.
Martin: Granddad.
Vernon: Martin.
Martin: You’re looking awfully pleased with yourself.
Vernon: Taking a moment of reflection.
Martin: Well, it’s good to appreciate your blessings. Yeah, show gratitude, and God will keep them coming. Words to live by?
Vernon: Uh, look no further than here. I got a magical wife, and she can sing. Beautiful family. I’ve managed to do some good in this world. Of course, a lot of that hard work is being undone, but my grandson is in the trenches. Yeah, doing his part. To make it right. And I get to cheer him on from the sidelines in retired glory. What, what’s not to be grateful for? A life well lived, indeed.
Martin: And I still want to be just like you when I grow up.
Vernon: I’d say you’re about half way there. Making a difference for your constituents. Solid marriage. Couple of terrific kids.
Martin: I know, but…
Vernon: But what?
Martin: I want more. I just haven’t figured out what more is yet.
Jacob: So what’s your day like, bae?
Naomi: Um, settlement conference this afternoon. But first order of business is checking in on mom.
Jacob: Well, have you spoken to your dad?
Naomi: No. That’s the way I like it.
Jacob: You and your dad used to be tight, Naomi.
Naomi: Yeah, well, that was a long time ago. And apparently not tight enough to stop him from sleeping with my so called best friend. You know what? I don’t want to talk about him. Especially when you’re standing there all fine in plain clothes, distracting me again. I swear, Jacob Hawthorne, you make it hard to leave this house. Here’s a thought. Let’s not. Let’s cancel everything but each other today.
Jacob: Come on. Baby, you know I want to. But the D.C. Metro Police Department frowns on a brand new robbery homicide detectives playing hooky with their wives.
Naomi: I don’t know about this new gig of yours, then. When you were a beat cop, we got to sneak in breaks.
Jacob: Well, that just means I have to work harder when I get home there, right? Or, before you leave Oh, Naomi Hamilton iPhone?
Naomi: Hmm. Yeah, we’re bad, know that? It’s the way you like it, right?
Jacob: Yeah.
How is it?
Vernon: Pretty good. As usual.
Bessie: I am so sorry to interrupt.
Vernon: That’s why we’re here. To be accessible to the community. What’s on your mind?
Bessie: When I glanced over here and I saw one of my heroes, Vernon Dupree, That’s an honor.
Vernon: Aren’t you kind. What’s your name?
Bessie: I’m Bessie. I was involved in the movement back in the 70’s, too. Now, I wasn’t as good as you, of course, but I did do my time.
Vernon: How awesome is that?
Bessie: I’m a big fan of Anita’s as well. Her group was so inspirational. It’s just living proof that black girls can come right out of their projects and conquer the world. Well, I’m not going to take any more of your time. I just wanted to let you know that your service in the movement and also as a senator is much, much appreciated.
Vernon: It was my privilege. Thank you for stopping by, Bessie.
Bessie: Thank you, Senator. Have a good day.
Vernon: Is that right there? That’s the kind of interaction that wins voters permanently. The small, personal moments. People never forget them.
Martin: Voters don’t forget a brush with greatness, either. You’re an icon, Granddad. And there’s no doubt about that.
Bill: Ha ha ha! Wayne! It’s been too long, man.
Wayne: Thanks for seeing me on such short notice. I know you’re busy.
Bill: Aw, come on, man. Never too busy for an old friend. I still miss seeing you out in the field, by the way. You’re not here to rehash your glory days. How can I help you?
Wayne: It’s my son. He’s in serious trouble.
Bill: Why don’t you let me be the judge of that? Here, sit. Tell me what’s going on.
Wayne: Terry has a drug problem. He broke into someone’s home and he stole money and jewelry. And a security camera got a clear shot of him and he got arrested.
Bill: Is he in custody?
Wayne: No, I was able to bail him out. But the victims are determined to press charges.
Bill: Okay, and they are?
Wayne: Um, uh, Jerry and Diana Overton.
Bill: Oh, he owns World Tech Innovations.
Wayne: I don’t want my son’s life to be trashed before it’s even started. So I was hoping It’s you could represent him.
Bill: I’ll do even better than that. I’ll make the whole thing go away.
Dani: Every time I think about Hayley, another blood vessel explodes in my head.
Nicole: Here’s a suggestion. Don’t. Don’t think about Hayley or Bill. They’re not worth it.
Dani: Well, it must be wonderful to be you. With your perfect husband, and your perfect marriage, no must, no fuss, right? Just smooth sailing through life with a man who not only wouldn’t cheat on you, but also doesn’t seem to know that any other woman exists on the planet.
Anita: Don’t be snarky with your sister. Nicole’s just trying to help.
Nicole: It’s okay. I recognize I’ve been luckier in love than Dani. Blessed in a way she hasn’t. She needs to take pot shots at me to feel better. I’m good with it.
Dani: Thank you for your permission, Nicole. I just truly wonder if you think that telling me to not think about Bill and Hayley is at all helpful.
Anita: Okay, I know this isn’t easy, but Nicole is not wrong. Obsessing over what’s past isn’t hurting the two of them. They’re moving forward, post haste. But it’s keeping you stuck in a cycle of anger, and that isn’t healthy, baby.
Dani: Oh, I’ll be healthy again. As soon as I make a couple of cheaters pay for blowing up my life.
Ashley: These last two years with you have been the best ever.
Derek: I feel the same way. I can’t imagine my life without you anymore.
Ashley: Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.
Derek: Except the hospital. We gotta hit.
Ashley: What? Wait, you’re taking me?
Derek: And picking you up. You get the full service from me today.
Ashley: Oh really? I’m gonna hold you to that later.
Derek: Please do.
Ashley: I love you, Derek. You’re the only man I’ll ever want.
Derek: It’s go time. Ready?
Ashley: Ready.
Jacob: What’s that, babe?
Naomi: It’s a gift for Ashley.
Jacob: Jacob: Oh yeah, it’s her first day on the job. Wait, what’d we get her?
Naomi: A stethoscope on a chain.
Jacob: Oh, okay. I mean, that’s cool, right?
Naomi:I, uh, got you something, too. Actually, it’s for both of us.
Jacob: Oh, yeah? Mm hmm. Well, let’s see. Really?
Naomi:Now, I expect my detective husband to arrest me tonight for a serious crime.
Jacob: Well, I’ll drum up the charges and wrap the warrant.
Naomi:Okay.
Jacob: Turn around.
Naomi:Oh, my God!
So what am I looking at here? Golf for business or pleasure?
Martin: For inspiration. A couple of kids in my district expressed interest. Granddad and I are going to give them a crash course on the basics. Expand their horizons a little.
Anita: I love that about you. Always looking to inspire our youth. Turn them on to something new. I’m so proud of you, son.
Dani: On that, my sister and I can agree.
Uh oh. You two disagreeing?
Nicole: Mother and I are trying to convince Dani Bill is not worth the grief she’s putting herself through.
Dani: And I resent the implication that I created the situation.
No one is saying that.
Dani: Good. Because I’m not the one who cheated. Ever. I was the one who was cheated on. Dumped. Remember?
I’m sorry. I’m with Mom and Grandmother. Good riddance to that guy. You’re better off without him.
Dani: Well, what all you well meaning people don’t seem to understand is that Bill and I got married when I was 19. My entire adult life revolved around him and our family.
Nicole: Erasing yourself was your first mistake.
Anita: Let Dani have her say.
Dani: Right, wrong, indifferent, that’s how it was. Bill’s world that I lived in. My focus was the home that I created for him, the daughters I gave him. Now the girls are out of the house, Bill is gone, everything. Every routine that was familiar has been upended. And that wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. Bill and I were supposed to be together forever. That was the pact.
Right.
Dani: But he broke it. And I don’t know what to do with that. It’s, it’s confusing. It’s angering. And I have every right to those feelings.
Vernon: Yes, you do. Just remember, you’ve given that man power he didn’t earn. That devotion you gave to Bill? He threw it back in your face. And he walked away with his little chippy. He is unworthy of even one of your tears. But come on now. Who’s the best?
Dani: Me.
Vernon: Who’s the brightest?
Dani: Me.
Vernon: That’s right. Never forget that.
Dani: Maybe you’re all right. Maybe I should just let go.
Anita: If you can do that, praise Jesus.
Chelsea: Check out granddad working his magic. He actually got Mom to laugh. Didn’t realize how much I miss hearing that.
Kat: Can I ask you a question?
Chelsea: When did you start checking first?
Kat: You haven’t said much about your father. Maybe you’d rather not go there?
Chelsea: Nothing’s off limits with us, Kat. You’re not just my cousin, you’re my best friend. Ask whatever you want. Do you hate him?
Kat: I hate what he did. The awful way he treated my mom. Like all their years together. Our family meant nothing. But he’s my dad. I don’t know how to hate him.
Naomi: Wanna take lessons from me?
Chelsea: Hey, sis.
Naomi: Chelsea, Kat.
You okay?
I’m good.
Am I hallucinating or is our mother actually smiling?
I know, right? Long time no see. I think we should take advantage of the sun while it’s out.
Bill: All done. The Overtons won’t be pressing charges.
Wayne: That was amazing.
Bill: Connections and favors, man. That’s what makes the world go round.
Wayne: Whatever you charge, it’s well worth the cost.
Bill: No, no, no charge.
Wayne: You’re kidding? You just saved my kid.
Bill: All I did was make a phone call. You just owe me one. You see? It all balances out.
Vernon: So there I was, middle of the night, dead of winter, trying to not only find a store that was open, But one that sold Asian pears. I never even heard of Asian pears. But that’s what my pregnant wife wanted, so off I went.
What can I say? Dani was demanding even in the womb.
Nicole: That’s my sister. Difficult from the jump.
Dani: Don’t hate because I know what I want.
Anita: And you managed to find a couple too. A little bruised, but you weren’t gonna hear me complain.
Martin: Your dedication to a cause is truly a thing of wonder, Granddad.
Oh, you know how Daddy is when it comes to his baby girl. What Dani wants, Dani gets.
Vernon: Oh, it wasn’t about Dani. It was about this woman right here. If Anita asked, I’d run through fire then and now.
Hi. Hope you’re paying attention. That’s relationship goals right there.
Naomi: Nope, not interested. It’s a single life for me.
Anita: Oh, you just haven’t met the one yet. When you do, you’ll change your tune.
Nicole: Or not. There is nothing wrong with being single.
This from the woman who’s been married most of her life.
Mm hmm. You’re gonna be alright, sissy.
Hmm.
Andre: Congratulations. Uh, Nicole told me you were starting today.
Ashley: Look who landed. The elusive Andre Richardson. We haven’t seen much of you lately.
Andre: Yeah, I’ve been keeping busy.
Ashley: Jet-setting around, taking amazing pictures of tropical islands and luxury resorts.
Andre: Yeah, it’s a dirty job.
Ashley: What brings you home? Is it a hit and run, or are you staying a while?
Andre: Uh, I’m in between gigs. So I offered to shoot on Nicole’s video bio for her latest award. Yeah, I’m checking out the hospital for potential locations. And since I’m around, I volunteered to shoot a fashion layout for Chelsea. After that, I’m open. Especially to suggestions from the lovely Nurse Ashley.
Bill: Hey babe, how’s the house?
Hayley: Uh, above and beyond my wildest dreams, babe.
Bill: Hey, that was the plan, right? Where are you now?
Hayley: I’m at the country club, about to go to the restaurant for a bite. I am famished.
Bill: So am I, but not for food. I was thinking we could meet at my hotel suite this afternoon.
Hayley: We might be able to work something out one last time before the wedding.
Bill: One last time?
Hayley: Yes.
Anita: Vernon and I make it a practice to count our blessings and express gratitude every day. And this is today’s moment for me. Of course, it’s trying time because one of our own is in pain. But it warms my heart to see this beautiful family that Vernon and I created together in this way. To think, a march on Washington in the 70s resulted in the existence of such remarkable, accomplished human beings. I am so proud of each and every one of you.
Vanessa: Sorry to hit and run, but Vanessa McBride Realty is popping and I’ve got a showing. As the seller’s agent, I’ve been bound by confidentiality. But now that we’ve closed, I wanted you guys to hear it from me. The home that was for sale on Marigold Road? Bill bought it.
Wait. In Fairmont?
Vanessa: Hayley picked up the keys this morning.
Dani: Are you freaking kidding me? So now the plan is to flaunt this woman in my face forever?
You’re right. It’s outrageous, but what can we do? Bill can buy wherever he chooses.
Vanessa: I’m sorry to dump this on you, but I really have to go.
Dani: I don’t believe this. They’re moving in and I’m just supposed to lie down for this? I’m done being disrespected. Done.
Baby, now…
Dani: You have a hell of a lot of nerve. Getting married at the country club is disrespectful enough. But then you and Bill leave. It’s one thing to move into this community? Expect me to live down the way from my cheating ex husband and his piece of trash new wife while you all go on about your Married business having no consequences for what you did? No That will not happen
Hayley: Dani…You’re upset. I get that Let’s not do this.
Dani: Shut up – I’m talking. You could have stopped this, Hayley. You could have dug way down for a shred of decency and told Bill that buying here was not only a terrible idea, it was heartless. You could have told him that the two of you had inflicted enough damage. And you could have stayed in the home that Bill bought when he left. Or moved to another community. But you went along with living in Fairmont. Who knows? Maybe it was your idea. Well, let me be the first to give you a housewarming present.
Woman at bar: Welcome to Fairmont Crest.
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Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree, matriarch of the family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success, and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband. But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago.
Clifton Davis stars as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch married to Anita and father to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Dani Dupree. A venerable former senator, Vernon is gentle, humble and generous with his knowledge and experience. Retired now, Vernon was at the forefront of the civil rights movement.
