Lessons Learned from Trayvon Martin

[williamjackson]

Lessons Learned from Trayvon Martin
Fathers Teach Your Children How To Survive II

By William Jackson, M.Edu.
http://williamdjackson.com/

Trayvon Martin Video: “Am I Trayvon Martin”
http://youtu.be/xltHmrTLeMI

Black youth both young men and women are being
killed, their lives seemingly have no valuable.
Just another statistic for vital statistics and crime
reports and  another one or two minute sound bite
for news media.

Young men like Trayvon Martin (Sanford, Florida),
Ervin Jefferson (Atlanta, Ga.), 20-year-old Kendrec
Lavelle McDade (Azus), 18 year-old Ramarley Graham
(New York City) taken away by violent deaths.
Violence, claiming the lives of those who should have
promising futures ahead of them, young men and
women have fallen at the hands of those who have
sworn to protect and serve the community, but instead
have caused chaos, sorrow and pain.

Black fathers, grandfathers, uncles and stepfathers are
hard pressed to teach young Black men and a growing
number of Black women survival skills to keep them
from being targets and victims.


President Barack Obama has challenged more Black fathers
to step up and take on the responsibility to teach
their children. Even though he is the President he has
experienced  disrespect, curses and hatred is shown to him
because of his color. Racism is not dead…

President Obama has even made the statement that
Trayvon Martin could be his son. What a testament for a
plea for change.

The excuse that Black youth are trouble makers because
they have no fathers does not count in the case of Trayvon
Martin because there is an involved father. The excuse
that Black children are all in poverty is not true from the
lifestyle of the Martin family. They are not welfare
recipients, nor on food stamps, but some in society auto-
matically think they are, this mentality must change.

In the United States of America Black young men
time lines are slowly diminishing; devaluing to a point
of unimportance. Across this country more young Black
men and young Black women are being gunned down.
Fathers, the teaching to our sons and now daughters
should go beyond riding a bike, attending church, dating,
drugs and sex. Fathers have to teach their children lessons
of life, the lessons of survival, how to stay alive when there
are those who do not value them as they should. Fathers,
the responsibility to speak to children is more important
now more than ever.


Personal Fears
True fathers have fear for our sons and now for
our daughters. Attending the Daddy Daughter Dance 2012
I see loving and involved fathers. This needs to grow and be
consistent.

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400553/william-jackson/2012-02-27/daddy-daughter-dance-jacksonville
The dance shows that fathers are involved and there are more
Black fathers involved than would be imagined by society.
Fathers fear that their children may die before they do
either at the hands of an overzealous service revolver or
the hands of someone who looks like them. Our young men
and women should be searching for a cure to cancer, diabetes,
heart defects, fighting poverty, working to end hunger
and other social challenges.

Fathers now must teach sons and daughters to look over
their shoulder, how to talk to law enforcement officers, to be
mindful that some see them as less than a man or women.
Be careful who you hang with and who you associate or call
friends.

Black youth should be concentrating on graduating high
school and planning their futures, not having parents planning
funerals.

There is Evidence
The evidence is visible in the media and seen on our streets.
Young Black men and women’s lives are at risk, when
men do not take the time to teach their children how to
conduct themselves in public, pull up their pants, talk
respectfully to adults, respect authority and act with
intelligence and pride, they set their children up for failure.
When Black children are successful in school, in their churches,
earning honors for academic excellence and achievement
they are not acting white, or the other demeaning terms used for
being respectful, educated and career oriented.

Young men and women that act like thugs and gansta’s will be
treated as such and subjected to actions that may prove deadly, but
this mentality is transferred to all young Black men and women.
Young men must be willing to change their mentalities and
actions. Not to change who they are, but to change the perceptions
of society. Too many Black youth are not prepared to grow mentally,
socially and spiritually. To many think it is cool to be uneducated
living on welfare. Parents should not teach their children that a
“Food Stamp” life is a good life.

Teachers can’t teach social responsibility and accountability,
the government can’t teach it, the media can’t teach it,
but fathers and mothers can and must teach the value of education.
If a greater number of families are involved in their children’s lives
crime would be down, education would be a priority and more Black
youth, our young men and women would have more direction and purpose.

Conclusion
The reality is there is a lack of fatherly presence in
Black homes; it affects communities, schools
and churches.  It is past time for more fathers to
stand up and make a commitment to their communities.

Fathers must remember that there are several institutions
that want Black children Educational and Institutional, it is up
to parents to direct their children to the correct institution.
Statistics and data do not lie, they can be manipulated, but facts
are facts. It is up to parents to direct children to educational
institutions, vocational schools, career choices, valuable career
options. Steering youth away from the institutions of incarcer-
ation and death.

Parents must know their children’s friends and associates, because they
sometimes do not have your child’s best interests.
Trayvon Martin is a wake up call for all of us to the travesty of
Black youth being murdered. The Trayvon Martin story is not the
first, but parents must work hard to make it the last..

Trayvon Martin Video: Am I Trayvon Martin
http://youtu.be/xltHmrTLeMI

Additional Blogs
Anointing  for Fathers
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400553/william-jackson/2012-01-04/anointing-fathers-2012

If Father’s Can
http://seeinggrowth.com/eachonereachone/2011/09/10/if-fathers-can
-by-sean-jackson-florida-am-william-jackson-m-ed-and-cheryl-williams-rn/

[JeffreyS]

I think a lesson we should take from this is a right to flee(not from the Police) needs to be spelled out in our laws. You should have the right to not be near or confronted or questioned by anyone who scares you enough that you want to flee. In this case Zimmerman told the 911 operator that Treyvon was running so he knew Treyvon did not want to be near him.  We all have the fight or flight mechanisms and  Zimmerman claims Treyvon chose flight but he still would not let him be. Chasing him may constitute a form of harassment but if it doesn't it should. Not a major crime but if your doing it because someone who is unsuccessful at flight is going to be more likely to fight and the cause is the pursuer. What I am getting at if you are committing a crime you are responsible if your gun is used. I believe approaching people who are actively fleeing you could be considered a crime.

[RiversideLoki]

I think the biggest problem here is that Zimmerman DID act outside of the law. Being a responsible gun owner and Concealed Weapons Permit holder means "knowing when to hold em', when to fold em', when to walk away and when to run." You should be of the mindset that you hope to never have to use that weapon and that it is only a last resort "I am going to die" situation. You don't go and chase down someone who may or may not have hit you (who is fleeing) to shoot them. That's escalating the situation.

If you pull your weapon, and the opposing side retreats, you've just deescalated the situation. Great, put your safety on, put your gun back in your holster, call the police, and give them a description of the situation then wait for the cops.

I think that's the biggest problem of this whole event, people have come out of the wood work trying to blame it on "thugs" and "gun nuts" and "blacks" and "latinos" and WHOEVER THEY CAN TO GET THEIR POINT ACROSS.

The simple fact is that Zimmerman shouldn't have pulled his weapon at ALL. He DARN SURE shouldn't have pursued Trayvon Martin. Because from what we've ascertained from the various accounts, there was no NEED for him to pull his weapon. There was no IMMINENT DANGER that would have cause him to have to "stand his ground". Mr. Zimmerman alone escalated the situation.

The opposing side was retreating, his job is done at that point.

[Kaiser Soze]

I wish the African-American community would get as angry about black on black violence as they do about situations like this as unfortunate as they are.

[NotNow]

A powerful and meaningful post WilliamJackson.  I would only add that ALL Fathers, of all faiths and races, should take time with their children.  We should all treasure the limited time we have with our loved ones.

[Kaiser Soze]

I wish the African-American community would get as angry about black on black violence as they do about situations like this as unfortunate as they are.

What makes you say that?  Are black people the only people angry?

No, but how often do you see Corrinne Brown, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, etc. show up for media coverage of a gang shooting involving black on black violence.

[JeffreyS]

This became a race thing when the medias early reports came in that the Police had not taken the situation seriously as if they had said to Zimmerman don't worry about it pal. That should outrage everyone.

Now it turns out the police wanted him charged and the State Attorney (My gut telling me he was worrying more about his conviction rate than justice) said it would be too hard to get a conviction.

Not a racial motivation by officialdom as originally spun but outrageous no matter what.

[duvaldude08]

This has become a huge mess, however Im going to make a comment. This is about in justice, but lets not be blind and overlook that race does play a part. We see it all the time everywhere. I am a black man. Honestly, If Zimmerman was black and TRay was white, Zimmerman would be under the Jail by now. And we all know its true. Althought I am angered and feel like race is playing a part, I do not agree with the ignorance that is spewing right now. It has gotten out of control. I feel like Im in the 50's again.

[duvaldude08]

I wish the African-American community would get as angry about black on black violence as they do about situations like this as unfortunate as they are.

Speaking from a educated black mans perspect, we are outraged by black on black violence. Everyone black does not think its okay.

[civil42806]

This has become a huge mess, however Im going to make a comment. This is about in justice, but lets not be blind and overlook that race does play a part. We see it all the time everywhere. I am a black man. Honestly, If Zimmerman was black and TRay was white, Zimmerman would be under the Jail by now. And we all know its true. Althought I am angered and feel like race is playing a part, I do not agree with the ignorance that is spewing right now. It has gotten out of control. I feel like Im in the 50's again.

And if zimmerman was blacK  no one would care

[BridgeTroll]

I think everyone has jumped to conclusions.  Media, social media, the black community, the defenders of zimmerman.  99% of these people do not really know the facts.  We know bits and pieces... and believe certain bits and discount various pieces.

[wsansewjs]

This has become a huge mess, however Im going to make a comment. This is about in justice, but lets not be blind and overlook that race does play a part. We see it all the time everywhere. I am a black man. Honestly, If Zimmerman was black and TRay was white, Zimmerman would be under the Jail by now. And we all know its true. Althought I am angered and feel like race is playing a part, I do not agree with the ignorance that is spewing right now. It has gotten out of control. I feel like Im in the 50's again.

When few key black representatives are spearheading this rally cry and some part of their messages includes "it's not about the race", it really doesn't help them at all because it is making it worse. Why? I don't see a diverse of people rallying behind the cause on the stage. Trust me, I checked local news, national news, bloggers, even tweets of my friends who were at the rally including the black ones.

Don't let the rally leaders involved. Let the people speak for themselves, let them wage a storm, write up massive petitions, put pressure on the local government to investigate properly. I am personally outraged at this entire incident, and I feel full compassion for the parents of Treyvon. I also believe that this stupid Florida law "Stand Your Ground" can be used by criminals to get away.

Also remember, there are over hundreds, maybe thousands cases like this across United States that deserves the same attention as much as the Treyvon incident had.

That's all.

-Josh

[JeffreyS]

I think everyone has jumped to conclusions.  Media, social media, the black community, the defenders of zimmerman.  99% of these people do not really know the facts.  We know bits and pieces... and believe certain bits and discount various pieces.

I think we can just listen to what Zimmerman said on his 911 call to know he would not leave the kid alone until he created a situation to shoot Treyvon.

[wsansewjs]

This has become a huge mess, however Im going to make a comment. This is about in justice, but lets not be blind and overlook that race does play a part. We see it all the time everywhere. I am a black man. Honestly, If Zimmerman was black and TRay was white, Zimmerman would be under the Jail by now. And we all know its true. Althought I am angered and feel like race is playing a part, I do not agree with the ignorance that is spewing right now. It has gotten out of control. I feel like Im in the 50's again.

When few key black representatives are spearheading this rally cry and some part of their messages includes "it's not about the race", it really doesn't help them at all because it is making it worse. Why? I don't see a diverse of people rallying behind the cause on the stage. Trust me, I checked local news, national news, bloggers, even tweets of my friends who were at the rally including the black ones.

Don't let the rally leaders involved. Let the people speak for themselves, let them wage a storm, write up massive petitions, put pressure on the local government to investigate properly. I am personally outraged at this entire incident, and I feel full compassion for the parents of Treyvon. I also believe that this stupid Florida law "Stand Your Ground" can be used by criminals to get away.

Also remember, there are over hundreds, maybe thousands cases like this across United States that deserves the same attention as much as the Treyvon incident had.

That's all.

-Josh

Josh, no offense, but you have a vast ignorance on this subject.

Having national leaders or famous people get involved im a cause is how people get mobilized.  It doesnt matter if its a case of injustice or healthier eating.

Thats just the way things work.  The community in which this happened did do all the things you mentioned, and as a result it became apparent that the incident reflects larger issues that we are all working on at the national level as well.  Its absurd to criticize people either local or national for working passionately on the issues that inspire or drive them.

Especially if you believe that there are hundreds of thousands of cases just like this happening nationally.

And there is no 'them'.  In this matter there really is just an 'us'.  It doesnt matter if some of us are black, or gay, or white or handicapped, and of all people you should know that.  Even if you personally don't care about the issue, it doesnt make it a 'black' thing. But since you already mentioned that you were outraged, Im not sure what you are driving at here.  You seem to be saying that since there arent more non black people involved in the protest that perhaps 'they' should just drop the subject?

Doesnt sound very much like outrage does it?

It matters.

Whether its Trayvon being shot to death by some jackass who thinks there is something fishy about a black kid with skittles talking on the phone or Matthew Shepherd tied up to a post and having the life beat out of him because two assholes and their girlfriends thought there was something wrong with him being such a sissy, it is wrong to take someones life simply because of the underlying bigotry.

Im sorry that you don't see that.

Your points are duly noted and deeply taken.

I was trying to make the point that "it's not about race" when the supporters of that race are representing the opposite of being the same race WHEN they are obnoxiously rallying. Maybe I need to re-clarify what I said. It was not my intention to have "a vast ignorance on the subject".

Hell, I signed petitions and retweet some tweets in supporting the prosecution of Zimmerman. I want to see this guy tried proven guilty and be punished as much as everyone too.

Seeking for justice is simple, but throwing all other factors into the mix including race, gender, perspectives, humanity, and more which makes it complicated. Only time will tell when the smoke clears up.

Go ahead and rip me apart if you like. No matter what I am standing my ground behind my own opinions and perspective, but maintain the notion that I do support justice especially in Treyvon case in the favor of that kid. For the record, I do NOT endorse or support any racist or discrimination toward ANYONE.

-Josh

[BridgeTroll]

I think everyone has jumped to conclusions.  Media, social media, the black community, the defenders of zimmerman.  99% of these people do not really know the facts.  We know bits and pieces... and believe certain bits and discount various pieces.

I think we can just listen to what Zimmerman said on his 911 call to know he would not leave the kid alone until he created a situation to shoot Treyvon.

Thank you for making my point...