Black men are labeled and categorized as so many things except for what they truly are. We are stereotyped and treated with so much disrespect that people have normalized our pain and struggle. We are not the epitome of your perception. We are much more than you can conceptualize.

Although I have never been a Lakers fan nor did I appreciate the era of Los Angeles Laker domination throughout my teenage years, I can and will always appreciate Kobe Bryant for what he brought to the game of basketball and the world. He taught me that a mentality can change the outcome of everything you want to put your energy into. He showed me what persistence looked like on and off the court.

The threat of being murdered by the police is a very real concern for Black folk, particularly Black men although we know our women fear this too. So before I become a hashtag, a vessel in a casket, an obituary notice, I want this message to be clear: Nothing can justify the murder of Black bodies by police even if we are committing crimes or have committed them in the past. Police have more than just guns to de-escalate a threat. I don't care how dangerous the job is or how difficult it is. As educators, we are taught to use all of our resources to deescalate situations and support our students, even if they are “non-compliant”. If that's the case, go through more training and stay inside the police station until you feel you can do your job without danger being the excuse for everything.