Sybrina Fulton and I share something special. We each gave
birth to a son in 1995. She in February and I in September. I’ve spent the last
17 years worrying about my son’s safety – SIDS, choking on a grape, falling in
the park, riding a bike, crossing the street, flying in a plane, getting
mugged, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Never once were my fears
based on the color of his skin.
I’ve spoken with moms of color who tell me about the angst
they feel when they think about the conversation they must have with their sons…save
the receipt for that pack of gum so you’re not accused of stealing, be
respectful if stopped by the police… To hear the mom of an 8 year old speak
about the safety of her soon-to-be teenage son is nothing short of tragic and horrifying,
and a fear this country should have already erased by now.
When the verdict came in last night, I looked at my son and
my heart broke for Sybrina Fulton. I can
hug my son and tell him I love him, but it was impossible to look at him and
not think of Trayvon.
