How can I protect my son from becoming another Trayvon Martin?

Trayvon Martin. A name forever etched in the annals of America’s complex relationship with race.

We all know the story. A 17-year-old armed with only a bag of Skittles, a hoodie and mocha skin is followed by a neighborhood watch man. At this moment, neither are breaking the law. Then there’s a confrontation. A few minutes later, Trayvon Martin is dead and George Zimmerman is accused in his death.

trayvon-martin

Fast forward to Saturday, when Zimmerman is acquitted of all charges. Many people are thunderstruck and … Read more ...

Will Trayvon Martin’s Death Be A Watershed Moment Or A Blip On The Radar?

Now  that George Zimmerman has been charged in Trayvon Martin’s death, I am wondering what’s next. I’m not talking about the next steps in the judicial process, I want to know what’s next when it comes to America’s relationship with race.

The hoodied 17-year-old’s killing galvanized hundreds of thousands to have demonstrations that ranged from large-scale marches to individuals simply wearing their hoodies all day. The issue with the black teenager’s killing is that Zimmerman, who is white and Hispanic, was never arrested. That all … Read more ...

Our Hoodie Tribute to Trayvon Martin

I wanted our family to take part in some of the Trayvon Martin rallies in downtown Chicago. I thought it would be a good chance to be a part of combating an issue that some in America aren’t brave enough to admit exists.

But with rain clouds above and a small one with the sniffles, I scrapped our plans and decided to honor the slain 17-year-old suburban style: We had a Hoodie March to the park. And I use the term “march” loosely, as it … Read more ...