My son is now a pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy added to his name.
God blessed him as he endured pain and trauma on his journey through school seeking no fame.
He was a target by some teachers and some bullies with the assistance of an in sensitive principal.
However, he chose to play games, attend church and participate in the leadership for youth government.
My son was so excited to enter kindergarten until he was identified as not listening and sent to processing, a place outside of his classroom.
How insensitive for the kindergarten teacher to send him out to complete a form for his behavior and then forget about him as he missed the bus, and felt the gloom.
My son was disciplined for defending himself for being called a racial slur and being himself wearing a curly afro.
When he attended the school one of the students said to me, Ms. Ellers hates me but hates your son more, did you know?
Schools can be unwelcoming to Black young men as they are disciplined and remain targets for teachers who have biases.
For school systems, it is important for teachers to have culturally responsive training but for schools the intent has been a crisis.
I am so proud of you, my son, the young man with strength, compassion, courage, and the heart to forgive.
Your youth was the highlight of a praying mother, as you had an adventurous spirit, and took risks. This I wish I could relive.
Someone asked why raise your children in an environment that a village like yours it was not … she said in a stupor.
I gave my children the tools to persevere, keep God in your life, and keep your eyes on the prize … your future.