Because the Jena 6 remind me of the tough job my wife and I face as we continue to raise our son.
Because my brother’s quiet vacation in New Hampshire (!) was ruined by a self proclaimed “confederate,” and a concerned local that warned him of bored cops.
Because a black mother recently accused me of exploiting my only son, my heart and soul, through this blog.
Because there were no other black folk at the museum this past weekend when we were there arguing with an oblivious visitor.
Because I stand in solidarity with anyone that loves peace, freedom, and justice.
Because the future is a mix of hope and dread.
I wore black today.
Me too. Because the other day a 5th grade classmate of my son’s asked him and another black student, “What you get when you have 2 black people?” Answer, “A piece of shit.” My boy went to the Principal along with witnesses and the jokester was given a days suspension. According to the conversation I had with my son’s Principal, the child’s parents at first did the whole, “not my son.” Yes, your son….and he said it to mine, who knew what to do in such an instance. Clown.
Good blogging by the way.
That’s pretty messed up that someone would pass judgment, incorrectly at that, about what your son means to you and his role in your blog.
You’re doing good stuff, don’t let it get you down.
Hope and dread… ain’t that the truth.
As you wear it everyday-
On your face
In your heart (it’s beautiful!)
Swirling about you as you enter the room
Dabbing a little into the souls of those
You come into contact with
Because it shines, obsidian hard
Onyx strong, and
Flint fierce
Because you are not ashamed
-Lux
Me too. Then I saw in my newspaper today that a 26-year-old black mother here was sentenced to a year in jail for walking on a bus and telling her daughter to slap the girl who had been bullying her. And the white woman who KILLED two black children in a hit-and-run in 2004 is almost done with her two-year house arrest. Is it just me … or is there something wrong with that?
you are not “using” your son. you are writing about your life. you are creating something more personal, more intimate than home movies or photographs. it is a testament of love. don’t listen to those voices. they are wrong.
Man, never mind the “hatas”. I love you sharing your insights in parenting, and its obvious you love your son immensely and you are a great example of a father!
I just stumbled upon your blog. Love it. Love it.
Exploiting your son? The woman obviously doesn’t get blogging. It is all about sharing and learning from each other.
Thanks for sharing. I am learning.
My god your words are so eloquent & beautiful!
I’m very grateful you share your trials & triumphs with us.
BIG hugs to you & yours, Dad (African American).
I just read your, I wore black today and cried, well I’m a bit hormonal, that accounts to the extreme reaction, however, it saddens me to hear how disheartedned you were with these words. I know it was a temporary condition as is evidenced by the reminisence’s of RKT.
I also stand in solidarity with those longing for peace & justice and dare I say love. And I believe the only way to stay up in a world filled with insanity is to surround yourself as often as possible with the others holding up the vision of unity and justice & understanding. Thanks for your blog, Its important to be putting your voice out there. You are a part of the solution. Shelley
I’m sorry the world is filled with stupid people.
I think blogging about your life is a beautiful thing and I hope to read more of your wonderful posts.