Asher you will make it into adulthood where you will one day be searching for a Job, but don’t worry because your mother and I have made sure to name you something neutral because if your name sounds to “urban” or resume friendly, just so you have a chance. Oh and I have to make sure that you are always close cropped and clean shaven because you won’t look as trustworthy with an afro and beard. You will be forced to conform too and you will, but when you get there you won’t be given respect like most of your colleagues you will have to work twice as hard for even the smallest amount of respect. You will probably be one of only a few other black men and everyone will have underlying feelings that you are there not on your merit, but as a result of some “diversity movement” or because affirmative action said they needed to hire one more person that looks like you. Oh and please believe they will practice all of their “black jokes” around you and ask you all of their “black questions.” They will even make a derogatory statement about black people sometimes and then follow it up with “I’m not racist though because I have black friends.” Yeah son I’m only telling you this because I’ve lived it; but wait, there is more.
If you enter adulthood built anything like me, your journey will get even more dicey those days you decide to wear jeans and a hoodie. You will travel down the streets to see purses being clutched, children being shielded and people crossing streets to avoid the stigma that your skin tone and clothing carry.
I apologize to you now for being hard on you as you grow up, your mother and I refuse to allow you to be another statistic or to be worthless. You were brought into this world to be more than a conquerer even your name holds what you shall be a "blessing". This is my decree, you will grow into adult hood as a respectful, passionate, caring, loving and educated black man, this is not a want, a hope or a prayer from your mother and I. Too many people love you and we have worked too hard to set a poor example for you, the world can be your oyster but the road you travel will never be easy.
No one will hit you harder than life itself. It doesn't matter how you hit back. It's about how much you can take, and keep fighting, how much you can suffer and keep going forward. That's how you win.
