Dearest One,
It seems you were born just yesterday, and now you have started college and are out in the world, and what a world! A world where young men like you have lost their lives meaninglessly at the hands of the keepers of justice in our society. A world where young men like you are languishing in prison while others who have committed the same crimes walk free. A world where young men like you are deprived, through systemic inequality, of education and opportunity.
We have raised you to understand that categories of race and tribe are meaningless, and that all people are part of one human family, but the world you are stepping into has not yet arrived at this truth. Here, then, are a few things we want you to know.
In terms of practical advice, be careful where you go. Avoid participating in anything that might draw the attention of law enforcement – yes even the pranks your school is famous for. When an officer stops you in your vehicle, put your hands on the wheel and be polite. However, you should also know that there seem to be no rules to follow to avoid injustice, so say the prayers we taught you. Pray that the officer you meet is one of the many that serve our community with integrity.
We have raised you not to put people in boxes, but you are going into a world where, based on the color of your skin and the texture of you hair, some may put you in the very boxes we have told you are not real. Remember always that you are bigger than the boxes and your reality is your noble soul, with its wonderful talents and qualities of character, which you must use for the betterment of society.
Be sure to understand and give credence to the pain that people are in as a result of prejudice. You must, however, also hold firmly to the vision of the oneness of humanity. The essence of healing is, in fact, to understand the pain, while at the same time holding a vision of what is possible and placing all your energy into making that vision a reality.
If we, as your parents, did not see with the wider lens of the progression of humanity towards a more unified and peaceful world, it would be impossible to let you go. The world is better than it was 200 years ago with respect to the elimination of prejudice, but it is certainly not where it can and should be. There is still much to be done, and therein lies the work of your generation. Step forward to do your part in the healing of the planet.
All our love always,
Mum and Dad