By Arlene Hosea
On April 13, at 8:47 pm, I learned that Norene Ball had passed away, my emotions began to rise and I tried to still my heart. My head knew that Bloomington/Normal had just lost another of its finest residents. I got to know Norene when I joined the YWCA Board of Directors. Norene was real; I learned that about her within a short time. I am not sure when and where her social consciousness developed but it was genuine. It was not about her it was about others. She was in a position at the YWCA to ruffle some feathers by creating thought provoking dialogues and smooth pathways for those who needed a way to a better life. Truly the perfect job for Norene!
Her responsibilities over the years included: the Racial Justice summit; Reading to End Racism;Study Circles; she organized Stand Against Racism and Week Without Violence events; conducting community outreach presentations; she provided diversity training throughout the community; coordination of Women’s Empowerment Parties; she educated others on privilege…what it means, what it is, and how to be aware; and much, much more formally and informally.
As I was checking my Facebook account, I came across these two posts regarding Norene from people who knew her and worked with her. Karen Schmidt, Bloomington City Councilwoman, wrote“Norene Ball has been our touchstone and our rock. This is what making a difference in the world looks like.”
Dontae Latson, President and CEO of the YWCA McLean County,wrote an excellent tribute on his Facebook site, a portion of it stated “Norene dedicated her life to ensuring that the rights of others were enforced and protected. Norene described herself as a “little old white woman” but don’t get it twisted she was tough and would take people to task in a moments notice if she thought they were infringing upon the rights of others. As a middle-class white woman, Norene could have lived a life of privilege. Instead she had a special place in her heart, a burning passion that drove her to care and actually gave a damn about the plight of others. This includes all people and groups that have been disenfranchised and historically discriminated against.”
To all in this community I say that Norene has left us with a gift, a blueprint of what it means and takes to have courage to be real and to work towards making Bloomington Normal the best that it can be for all of its residents. Let’s honor the legacy of Norene Ball and build upon the gift that she has left us. You know she will be watching!
Arlene Hosea was born and raised in Bloomington. She retired from Illinois State University and is on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Illinois. She has also served on the Town of Normal Human Relations Commission, The Baby Fold and the YWCA Board of Directors. Arlene resides in Normal.
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