DWB - Driving While Black

Here's a facebook post from a good friend of mine, David Walker.

David is a professional photographer, writer, artist, husband, father, brother, son, grandson and friend. His skin happens to be darker than mine. I am afraid for him and for so many others like him.

     

Daddy David

Grandson David

People feel safer to express their hate and bigotry by their support of a small minded candidate who has stirred up these hidden feelings by his innuendos and outright and nastiness. He has created a safe zone for the smirks and hate expressed by those attracted to his entertainment quality.

Think about your own black friends. How would you you feel if any of them were pulled over for the offense of DWB (Driving While Black)?

"I could sum up my feelings with two words: fear and helplessness. I am fearful that my life could be taken based on a misunderstanding by those that are sworn to protect me. I only have one life. I feel helpless. I feel as if my life is in someone else's hands, and they may have preconceived ideas about how I will conduct myself.

The helplessness has a physical weight, man. It seems as if I am always trying to convince people that my concerns are legitimate and that a badge does not sanctify every action of a law enforcement officer. Many of these same individuals tell me that all lives matter. The Declaration of Independence affirms that "all men are created equal." "All" did not include me then, so why should I assume that it includes me now? Perhaps a person's value at birth does not determine how others treat them or their worth in life. I am a black man. Does my life matter? It seems to be a cumbersome phrase for many even to utter aloud. I am also a writer. Fortunately, I have the ability to articulate my thoughts and feelings. I feel sorry for those that cannot, but their pain in no less real.

I would say that the fear and helplessness comes from the realization that if ever in have a misunderstanding with a law enforcement officer and am shot, few will listen to me. Onlookers will only say, "I do not see the problem," or they may tell me that somehow, someway, this is all my fault.

I am tired. Unfriend me if you want".

David Walker

David Walker is an American lifestyle photographer, graphic designer, and essayist and Author of The Augustan: Short, thought-provoking commentary on culture, politics, and social issues.