The Talk

Explaining Racial Injustice To Teens

In the recent headlines a 20 year old young man name Daunte Wright was pulled over and fatally shot by a police officer. Footage of this young man’s death surfaced all over the screens and on social media. The police officer admittingly confessing to shooting the 20 year old as a fatal flaw of confusing her taser with her gun.

The video of this footage has traveled all over the globe online within seconds. Another video surfaced of a Lieutenant being pepper sprayed by a police officer for driving slow to the gas station . How does one explain this form injustice to your teenagers?

If you a mother of a young black male child how do you explain these things to your child and still feel safe? What advice do you give them when confronted by a police officer? These conversations are introduced at the dinner table in most minorities homes.

Many parents not only have to warn their kids about the elements surrounding them. Parents must tell their children the following

#1. Say No To Drugs
#2. Don’t Talk To Strangers
#3. Stay away from Gangs
#4. Don’t wear certain colors that pertain to gangs
#5. Keep your hands to your sides and obey the police officer if confronted by one
#6.Dont associate yourself with anyone who is known for being a trouble maker

When having a conversation with your child take time out to help ease them into an age appropriate conversation that can help them better comprehend the circumstance. Chat with your local school counselor or Chaplin within your local church with teens. Parenting can be challenging within itself but for people of color, sitting at the table and having the talk is a necessity. It is a necessity because at the end of it all you want your son or daughter to be comfortable with asking these questions as well as know what to do when addressed with these scenarios.