Project Description
Our Lives Matter
Many of today’s young men of color are aware that they are targets and could have easily been in the shoes of Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Michael Brown or the many others whose lives were unjustly cut short. How many unarmed youth of color have to die before we see what is, not as 'an isolated incident,' but as a national crisis? America, please look at our children and tell us what do you see.
While these young men live and speak to the veracity that exists in New York City, their words ring true to young men and girls throughout the country. Walk down the streets of Ferguson, Missouri and you will hear, just as you do in Detroit, Michigan. “Why does my music make me dangerous? Why can’t I make a peace sign without you labeling it a gang sign?”
In Cleveland, Ohio the chorus sings, “Why? Why are you following me?” Young men and women in Milwaukee, Wisconsin too can chime in. “Why am I afraid of people who are supposed to protect me? Why is my Mom scared every time I leave the house? ”
And yes, in Sanford, Florida the same words are heard. “Why does my hoodie make me look suspicious?” “Why does ‘stand your ground’ only work when I am on the ground? ” What do we say to our children? “I’m sorry?” Perhaps, it is time to do more than express our sorrow. Rather than “stand your ground,” Stand with the children! Let us boldly question why our children are targets. Let us stand up for equality. Our children’s lives matter and are in our hands.
