MONDAY MOTIVATION: A Conversation We Need to Have with Our Sons

My heart has been heavy since the verdict in the Trayvon Martin case came back not guilty. My social media feeds were immediately filled with people expressing everything from outrage, to shock, disappointment, justification and joy. It's honestly in times like these that you really get to see the minds and hearts of the people you choose to surround yourself with in life and even in your social media life. Many, expressed how appalled they were by the insensitivity of many of their friends or followers. Thankfully, my friend list is filled with people who are like minded so I only saw comments expressing the same kind of hurt that I was (regardless of their race).

This case was a very controversial and charged case because it had people on such polar ends of the spectrum with their thoughts and opinions. The case dug up issues of race, class, white privilege, stereotypes, and so many more 'isms' and limitations that many thought were problems of yesteryear. This case and the final verdict proved that there is a long way to go before these issues will be gone for good (if ever).

The one thing that became dramatically clear throughout all of this is that there is an important conversation to be had with our children (especially our young boys) about what this all means for them. I think all races and cultures need to have a conversation but the content of the discussion will vary from household. From this verdict, it is easy for young black men and boys to feel that their life has no value here. That even when they are the victim, they will be persecuted and treated as the criminal. Leading to many internalizing issues of self worth and creating an attitude where they do not want to cooperate with authority (because what's the point?). There is an important conversation that needs to be had in black households that reminds our children that yes we have come far because we have a black president and many more positive representations of black people in top positions, but there are still many ignorant people out there that still on see the color of your skin as a threat.

Black boys need to be told that there is always a possibility that they will be tried by someone who sees their skin color as a threat and as a criminal. In these instances, they need to keep their wits about them. Focus on surviving.

We need to remind our boys that the best way to shift people's views about you is to create excellence in yourself. Be educated, be talented, be your best. Also, be educated about the legal system and know your rights (very important!).

And, the last thing that we need to tell our boys is that they do have value and they are worthy. No matter what anyone says or society tries to make you feel, you are important. Racism is a complex issue that is part of a larger social context that is ingrained in the minds of many people but that is something wrong them not you.

I'm so heartbroken for Trayvon's family and for the message that it sends our children but I have faith and believe that this is a teachable lesson for us all that we need to continue to have these conversations and mentor our youth. Keep them close to us.

Darren Anthony's play, Secrets of a Black Boy, will be on stage in Toronto on July 27th and he is introducing a community forum for the first time after his matinee performance. In light of the discussion that has been brought up again  with the Trayvon case, Darren along with community activists want to create an open discussion with  youth in the community to share their struggles and frustrations.

To find out more info about the play and forum or to purchase tickets, go to:  https://secretsofablackboy.eventbrite.ca/?nomo=1

Happy Monday!

The Case of Trayvon Martin: Why is the Victim Continually Put on Trial?

It's been just over a year since the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed by a man named George Zimmerman for looking "suspicious" in his neighborhood.  The news rocked the nation and many like me have not forgotten the impact of how incredibly unfair this fate is to Trayvon and many of our young black men around the world.

A year later, Trayvon's trial has finally gone to court. While to many it seems like an obvious open close type of case, we have heard countless stories and read many a headline that has tried to paint Trayvon has a troubled teen, a "thug". Has tried to make his killing appear as if it were his own fault; what he had somehow asked for. I have to say that every time I read these things my heart breaks over and over again for his soul that isn't able to defend himself and for his family that are missing their blood so deeply. This week, Zimmerman's defense team released and teased the media with supposed evidence about conflicting text messages and Trayvon's violent past. It just adds insult to injury. Why is Trayvon countlessly being put on trial? He is dead. No voice but his grieving parents' to defend him and his character. Why hasn't the man who committed the crime been questioned as much in the media? Instead we hear excuses and justifications for why taking an unarmed young man's life is not only okay, but justified. 

I'm thankful for the judge who this week ruled that all of the evidence that Zimmerman's defense team has tried to use will not be considered in the trial. I am thankful that with this initial ruling, a young man who was robbed of all the things that he deserved to experience: graduation, prom, first love, getting a real job, and so many of life's simple experiences, will get the chance for a fair trial.

The trial begins in a few weeks. I'll be watching how this unfolds and praying for Trayvon and his family's peace every step of the way.

What are your thoughts on how Trayvon has been continually depicted throughout this process?

Trayvon Martin....when will justice be served???

Trayvon Martin

Obviously there has been endless discussion in the news, on social media sites, and amongst friends, family and colleagues about the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. For those of you who may not know about him, he was shot and killed by a neighbourhood watch leader, 28 year old George Zimmerman (who is identified as Hispanic), because according to him Trayvon looked suspicious as he walked home. Trayvon was returning from the store with some Skittles and an iced tea when Zimmerman shot and killed him claiming self defence; although there have been many witness accounts that dictate otherwise.  And even though Zimmerman has admitted to killing the teen about 3 weeks ago, he is still walking, eating, drinking and living as a free man.

Are we really living in a time where all it takes to be released of charges against your actions is to cry ‘self-defence’?

I am, however, reminded of the case of John White in 2006.  In that case 56 year-old Black man was defending his home as 4 young men threatened his son and his family.  The young men who identified themselves as a “lynch mob”, threatened to kill his son and to rape his wife.  As the men advanced on the house, a shot was fired accidentally which killed Daniel Cicciaro (who was white).  White was arrested immediately and was later sentenced to 2-4 years in prison.  He was later acquitted.

 Where is the justice in the USA?

And to add insult to injury, there was a woman who was arrested over the weekend for throwing flour on Kim Kardashian.  Now I’m not condoning the tossing of baking ingredients on anyone (except maybe in fun with your honey in the kitchen lol), but where is the standard?  How does she get arrested instantly for a relative harmless act while a man who ADMITS to murdering an innocent young man walks free for nearly a month?  When will enough be enough?

Now the first thing many people do is cry racism.  And in this case I think it has its place, however, the bigger picture is being ignored.  When will we hold people accountable for their actions?  What kind of precedent is this case setting?  It would be a little different if Trayvon had a gun or was threatening or behaved like a ruffian.  But I’m tempted to think that all he wanted to do was go home and enjoy his recent purchase.  Every picture I’ve seen of Trayvon has him pictured as a respectable young man who seemed to enjoy life!

My heart and prayers go out the Trayvon’s family.  I do sincerely hope that justice is served to those who deserve it!

What are your thoughts?  I would love to know!