No matter which form death comes for us, it will be a painful loss to face. That loss is all the more compounded when you lose a loved one to senseless and unnecessary violence. The rash of killings that are victimizing our young people are particularly troubling and disturbing. They not only have to contend with being victims of violence by their own, but also the police who have always been very cavalier about black life, Throw into that mix the police wannabees and racist homeowners arming themselves and killing our young people "out of fear for their lives." This isn't new, using the disguise of legality with statutes like "Stand Your Ground" laws, claims of self defense and fear, the disdain and contempt for black life have all converged to equal death for our youngsters. Every person of color lives with the knowledge that in this world, we are not valued and our lives means little to many including some of our own. God saw fit to place us here and continues to allow us to be here everyday, yet many believe that it is their birthright to end our existence as they see fit. It is truly mind boggling after all these years of being emancipated that there are still many among us bred through the generations who continue to believe they are better and more deserving of life than others. When you decide that another human being doesn't belong here and must die, in effect what you have determined is that God made a mistake and you will remedy that mistake. I have said it before, and I will say it again and again. "People do what they do simply because they do not believe they will answer for their actions one day. People do not believe they will be judged."
