The Still Won’t Listen

Dear __________

Yes all lives matter. My sons life matters, my life matters, and my people lives matter. Unless it’s your experience you will never understand the pain, and fear that resonates through my heart and mind when my boys have to leave the home without me.

The conversation that I have with them is real and it speaks the truth. I tell them they have to come back home safe, unharmed and alive because I need them and they deserve to live. I have to explain to them exactly what does that mean. Here’s what I say.

Because you are a black (male), you do not have the same freedom and the same liberty as a non person of color. Yo do not have the liberty to walk, run, jog, wear a baseball cap or hooded sweater, go into a candy store unsupervised, drive a nice car or any car for that matter and be spotted on the wrong side of the tracks.

Because you are black male, you must keep your hands and face visible at all times, never express yourself because this means you are talking back and being belligerent. Under no circumstances should you make any movement because now you are resisting. Do not ask about your rights, or call for help because no one is listening. You must comply even when you are right and admit to being wrong in hopes that you can make it home.

I love you son. Your life matters. Oh and one more thing, I bought you a huge License Tag to place around your neck that says, “Stop please. I AM AUTISTIC AND I DON’T UNDERSTAND. Please don’t kill me!”. Sad to say, they might not listen.

Signed

A mothers Love