By: Janice Johnson-Plumer
About a week ago I happened to stop at a carwash to clean out my car. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining. The sound of loud music filled the air, as I saw kids having fun, listening to music in their car. My mind flashed to a similar scene from a story on the news: The William Dunn case.
I was struck how easily we can find ourselves in danger. How have we come to this?
I think about the number of children who walk home from a friend’s house minding, their business, when they encounter a stranger who may think they are a “thug.” I flash back to my own son, who may be walking home one day only to be encountered by someone who may think he is up to no good. It’s more than a race issue; it’s a safety issue. I wonder all the time about how can I keep my son safe from those who have an hidden agenda, those who mistake my son for someone else, or those who may want something my son has.
As my son gets older, I now have to think about all the things I have to say when he leaves the house; things such as “Wear the ‘right’ clothing” or “ If you happened to be pulled over by the police put your hands on the steering wheel.”
I know my son doesn’t realize all these things, but they are things I have to think about and deal with on a day-to-day basis as a mother.
All I can do is instill in my son that I love him. I have confidence that positive and uplifting people will surround him. I know I have raised a confident young man who has a heart to share with anyone who may be without. He has a father that he can look up to as a role model and emulate.
I will not be a helicopter mom, but I will do whatever it takes to make sure my son is safe.
Community Voices for Health 