Trayvon Martin, my son, and the Black Male Code [View all]

[kpete]

Trayvon Martin, my son, and the Black Male Code
By Jesse Washington, Associated Press


Mel Evans / Associated Press
Bill Stephney talks to his son Trevor, 13, as they sit outside their home Friday in Randolph Township, N.J. Stephney, a media executive who lives in a suburb that is mostly white and Asian, has two sons, ages 18 and 13. The death of Trayvon Martin was an opportunity for him to repeat a longtime lesson: black men can get singled out, "so please conduct yourself accordingly."



PHILADELPHIA -- I thought my son would be much older before I had to tell him about the Black Male Code. He's only 12, still sleeping with stuffed animals, still afraid of the dark. But after the Trayvon Martin tragedy, I needed to explain to my child that soon people might be afraid of him.

As I explained it, the Code goes like this:

Always pay close attention to your surroundings, son, especially if you are in an affluent neighborhood where black folks are few. Understand that even though you are not a criminal, some people might assume you are, especially if you are wearing certain clothes.

Never argue with police, but protect your dignity and take pride in humility. When confronted by someone with a badge or a gun, do not flee, fight, or put your hands anywhere other than up.

Please don't assume, son, that all white people view you as a threat. America is better than that. Suspicion and bitterness can imprison you. But as a black male, you must go above and beyond to show strangers what type of person you really are.

http://heraldnet.com/article/20120325/NEWS02/703259897#Trayvon-Martin-my-son-and-the-Black-Male-Code