This week, my son celebrated his eighth birthday. As we wrapped up a wonderful day filled with family fun, I took a moment to speak with him and his five-year-old sister before bedtime. My son was already aware of the tragic events surrounding George Floyd and the widespread outrage that followed. However, I needed to discuss something else with them.
I posed a question to my kids about how people learned about what happened to Mr. Floyd. My son quickly replied, “Because someone filmed it.”
I then explained that there’s always a possibility we could encounter someone like George Floyd did. I told them that if I ever got pulled over or faced a similar situation without my wife present, I would hand them my phone, and they would need to record the events discreetly.
I held my son’s hand and asked, “Do you understand why this is so important?” Without saying a word, he looked me in the eye and nodded solemnly, like a young man bearing a heavy responsibility rather than an eight-year-old boy.
Throughout my life, whether in hospitals or courtrooms, I’ve dedicated myself to protecting others. It’s unsettling to think my children might have to step in to protect me. Yet, as parents of color, my wife and I feel we must prepare them for such realities. We know that our success doesn’t shield us from police violence or racial injustice, nor does a video guarantee my safety.
Though my son may not be able to physically protect me, he might just help safeguard my dignity and ensure justice is served in my name.
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Summary:
This article discusses a parent’s decision to prepare their young children for potential encounters with law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of recording such interactions for accountability. It reflects on the unsettling reality faced by families of color and highlights the responsibilities passed down to the next generation.
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