In households of color in America young men are taught the basics of survival in the event that they have a run in with police and/or others that may perceive them as a threat. I am not talking about how to survive when engaged in criminal activity, I am talking about surviving the walk home from school or basketball or the movies. I began explaining this lesson to my son when he was about twelve years old. “If you get stopped, don’t talk back, do what they say and call me when you can. We’ll sort out what happened once you are safely back home”. He knew the drill and eventually had to put it into practice. Fortunately he got home and it only happened one time. He was fortunate. Trayvon Martin wasn’t.

I believe that it has made my son a good policeman. He can’t help but remember how he was treated. Perhaps we should have all kids followed and profiled so that they know how it feels. We have to do better America. This issue has once again divided our population along racial lines. Everyone is very sensitive and we never know what will happen after one of these events. What I do know is that without some serious action I will be having the same talk I had with my son with Trent my three-year old grandson. I hope not but I still know what to say.