avatarAnnelise Lords

Summary

This article provides guidance to Black mothers on how to instruct their sons during encounters with the police to ensure safety and positive outcomes.

Abstract

The article, titled "A Few Things Every Black Mother Should Tell Their Sons When The Police Stop Them," emphasizes the importance of teaching Black sons how to behave during police stops to minimize risk and navigate potential racial profiling. The author, inspired by a mother's advice during a march commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1957 protest, outlines specific steps sons should take, such as remaining calm, keeping hands visible, being respectful, and following the officer's instructions. The piece underscores the role of parents in educating their children on how to react when faced with discrimination or police stops, suggesting that such knowledge could save lives. The author also acknowledges the challenges of racism and the need for societal change, while emphasizing personal responsibility in preventing situations that might lead to police encounters.

Opinions

  • The author believes that Black mothers have a crucial role in preparing their sons for interactions with the police, which can be a matter of life and death.
  • There is an underlying sentiment that racism is a deep-seated issue that cannot be easily eradicated by laws or penalties, but can be mitigated through education and personal conduct.
  • The article suggests that respectful behavior and obedience during police encounters are essential for a safe resolution.
  • The author expresses that while not all police officers are bad, the reality of racism within law enforcement necessitates careful action by Black individuals during stops.
  • The piece conveys a sense of urgency for Black parents to teach their sons how to deal with racial discrimination, implying that this education is as important as other life skills.
  • The author implies that by following the outlined steps, Black sons can help protect themselves and potentially change the narrative around police interactions within the Black community.

A Few Things Every Black Mother Should Tell Their Sons When The Police stop them.

Illumination

Image by Annelise Lords

Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1957 march on Washinton was repeated last year and the year before. The words of one mother touched my heart when she said she told her son what to do when the police stopped him. These are a few things I tell my sons.

1) Don't drive a vehicle with issues that would cause the police to stop you when you are stopped by the police while driving or walking. STOP!

Do not attempt to flee. A police chase could cause innocent lives and increase your charge. Because sometimes, it takes one ounce of fear or a stupid mistake that could end your life.

2)Put your hands on the steering wheel or anywhere they can see them. Make sure both hands are visible. Please only attempt to reach for something if ordered to.

3)Keep both hands visible while they are questioning you.

4)If you will reach for anything, first let them know what you will do and where it is, and use only one hand. Keep the other hand visible or on the steering wheel.

5)Be respectful. ALWAYS be respectful.

6) Speak only when spoken to, and be respectful in your language, words, and attitude. Let it be a Yes Sir and No Sir conversation.

7)Depending on your situation, use the truth. It works

8) Don't question the officer by asking him why he stopped you. He will tell you why.

9)Keep a positive attitude all the time, and stay calm.

10)Do what he says. Your life depends on your attitude and ability to be obedient and calm. When he is finished with you, say thank you and leave. Then say a prayer in your heart for his safety because his family worries about his safety. Not all police officers are bad.

11)Whatever reasons you were stopped, don't let it happens again. Fix it as soon as possible to divert attention away from you and your vehicle.

With what is happening in this country between the police and black males, we parents are responsible for teaching our black sons how to react when the police stop them.

Racism is a learned behavior. So can teaching our sons how to react when accosted by the police or facing any form of discrimination. They will grow with that, and many lives will be saved.

We can't stop Racism. No laws or penalties can. Stopping something that has developed from deep within hearts is hard to contain or eliminate. But educating our children on what to do to counteract Racism might help. Heart-to-heart might help.

As a mother of black sons, my heart stops whenever my cell phone rings and their names come up. Prayers and gratitude are my tools.

Thank you for reading this piece. I hope you enjoyed it.

https://mediumauthor.com/@thisisanneliselords

https://mediumauthor.com/podcast

medium.com/illumination/interview-with-annelise-lords-421238e49b9f

Alllivesmatter
Unity
Racism
Surviving
Illumination
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