Joanne's Difficult Decision

In 1954 Joanne Schieble was pregnant, unmarried, university student. She faced the difficult decision whether to keep the baby, give it up for adoption or have an abortion.

She had no way of knowing how things her life or her baby's life would turn out, the kind of dilemma I was trying to capture in the song First Black President.

I could have been a hero
Covered in glory 'cos I gave my life
I could have been a mother
Three young kids and working nights
I could have been a nurse or a football coach
Could have had your smile, your eyes, your nose
Would my coming still be something you'd lament
If I'd have been the first black President?


Thankfully Joanne decided not to have an abortion but to give him up for adoption. Her son didn't become the President of the United States. He became the CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs.

It's impossible for anyone to accurately assess another's life. But I think Steve Jobs made the world a better place.

Rest in peace, Steve. And thank you Joanne.

Free download: Never Be Silent
Other free songs by Matt Blick