By: Jasmine Gates
Reel Urban News Commentary
I am not a mother, but I am a sister. Not only to three younger Black boys, but to the Black men that support and constantly look out for me. I am also a daughter, not only to my father, but to his father and the father of my mother.
Some of these men have shaped who I am, while the others have stood on the sideline supporting me in my growth. They all have impactful roles in my life and when either of them show up for me my heart fills with warmth and gratitude.
I love these Black men, however, I am aware that this country may actually hate them and refuses to properly acknowledge their value in the same ways I do. My heart breaks more and more each time a Black man or boy that looks like, talks like and/or acts like them is unjustly murdered by a cowardly police officer. So at this point, one can imagine my heart being shattered, not just mine, but those of countless Black women, especially the mothers.
Some of these men are the strongest people we know, they are our protection, some bring us so much joy, all while knowing how to really get under our skin. For those of us that have sons and brothers, yes, we may nurture them a little more, we may hold them a little longer and we may pick them up long after they have outgrown us.
I used to think these things were problematic, but it may be because we see their faces every time a Black man is murdered by another police officer. We hear their cries for help every time a new video surfaces and we may be unconsciously coping with the reality of the possibility of never seeing them again.
So to those of you who may disregard the sentiments of Black men yet have befriended or find value in Black women, realize you too are the cause of our agony. Our men deserve to live free of pain, fear and the torment that comes with knowing America has placed an expiration date on their lives.
The fact that they cannot has caused our pain to transform into outrage and what we will do with it is left to be seen.
Jasmine Gates is the Millennial Editor at ReelUrbanNews.com. Ms. Gates is a Community Resource Who Takes Pride In Educating. @_jasminerenae.
