On my first day at work with at-risk youth in institutions, I asked some boys, “why would you listen to a white mama like me?” And a 15-year-old Latino boy looked kindly at me and said “listen with your heart and you’ll do fine.”
So that is what I did, year after year. I have met and counseled many young black men ranging from 11 to 18 years old in my work in juvenile institutions over the past 20 years.
Each one of the boys, and their mothers, has surfaced in my heart as I watch the news and the protests.
In each counseling session, especially with the mothers, what we recently witnessed in the news, was always present, looming as their deepest fears and worst nightmare for their sons.
I have cried with many black mothers and their sons. I cry with them now. Please hear their cries. The fears behind the tears are reality-based.
Dedicated to the young black men,
especially their mothers,
that I have met and counseled.
I cry with the mothers.
Tears flow for the world
Enough loving could change that
Let’s flood the world
So touching. You really made it clear how important this BLM movement is by sharing how close you are to boys and moms of color. I pray for huge change.
Thank you Susan and thank you for your prayers for the needed changes.