Have you ever had an encounter with an officer? Have you ever considered your race being a factor of the treatment you received? In today’s society, as a young black man, I have to be extremely careful any and everywhere I go. Specifically, around police officers, I learned this a few weeks ago when I encountered my first experience with the law. Many things could have gone wrong, but they did not because I prevented them. It made me realize that there are lots of ways to prevent unwanted altercations while still showing a respect for the law. It all starts with a positive attitude, treating the officers with respect, and also praying to God to keep me on a straight and narrow path.
It all started on a Friday afternoon, I was on my way to Columbia. My brother and I were on our way to a football game. We were relieved to be free from Claflin and able to go home and enjoy football. I remember looking down on my phone to change the song and as I looked in the rear view mirror I saw a state trooper. I suddenly took a look at the speedometer and I saw that he was going way over the speed limit. My heart dropped when I realized I wasn’t carrying my state issued ID. I pleaded for him to slow down, but by that time it was too late, the trooper already flashed his lights and sounded his siren. Deep inside I was panicking, thinking what was I going do if he asked for my ID, while at the same time I was trying to listen to my brother tell me what to do to stay safe. It seemed like forever …show more content…
Being black is seen as a threat to police officers and often discourages young black men of society. However, if you treat everyone with respect, have a good attitude, and pray, then everything will work in your favor, as it did for me in my situation. I would like to leave you with a quote. “It's a struggle for every young Black man. You know how it is; only God can judge us.”- Tupac
It all started on a Friday afternoon, I was on my way to Columbia. My brother and I were on our way to a football game. We were relieved to be free from Claflin and able to go home and enjoy football. I remember looking down on my phone to change the song and as I looked in the rear view mirror I saw a state trooper. I suddenly took a look at the speedometer and I saw that he was going way over the speed limit. My heart dropped when I realized I wasn’t carrying my state issued ID. I pleaded for him to slow down, but by that time it was too late, the trooper already flashed his lights and sounded his siren. Deep inside I was panicking, thinking what was I going do if he asked for my ID, while at the same time I was trying to listen to my brother tell me what to do to stay safe. It seemed like forever …show more content…
Being black is seen as a threat to police officers and often discourages young black men of society. However, if you treat everyone with respect, have a good attitude, and pray, then everything will work in your favor, as it did for me in my situation. I would like to leave you with a quote. “It's a struggle for every young Black man. You know how it is; only God can judge us.”- Tupac