Thread by @taisonbell

Yes. #RunningwhileBlack should not be a death sentence. Maybe it’s a good moment to share some insight into being black and male. I haven’t run alone for years out of this concern; but there are other things black men do to decrease their chances of being killed 1/

One night I was on call in the ICU and had to come in for a dire emergency. I hopped in my car and started to floor it. But then realized I was a black man, alone in a speeding car, late at night. It’s a setup for badness. I slowed down for my safety. 2/

Also speaking of cars, this is a “don’t shoot me” sticker. Every car I’ve ever owned has had some sort of sticker like this. It’s not a desire to advertise my cred, but an effort to assign me #human value when it may not be assumed if I’m pulled over. 3/

Speaking of pulled over, I wanted a black Toyota 4Runner when I was 16 but wasn’t allowed. As a black male certain cars make you a target. Large, dark cars, especially luxury? Be ready to get pulled over. Instead I bought a Ford Escort. I drive a Nissan LEAF now. Very safe 4/

Speaking of running, I feel safe in my neighborhood (where I’m known) but it’s different when I roam. The first time I walked into my adjacent neighborhood I was met by a white woman questioning what I was doing and why I was there. “Sorry, I’ve just never seen you before.” 5/

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not living paralyzed with fear. I’m used to it so it’s a benign decision making process. Like if you saw your low gas light turn on. Get gas or no?

Should I run?
Exercise benefit 😀
But knee hurts 😕
+ no partner = chance of vigilante violence ☹️
NO.
6/

Except night. Walking/running at night actually is a concern. @jelani9 doesn’t run at night. Neither do I. I have a black male physician neighbor I walk with at night because it’s the only time we’re both free to talk and catch up. We always have our IDs on us. 7/

What does scares me is I have a 6-yr-old son. The #AhmaudArbery murder forced a hard conversion with my wife. We need to decide when he needs to know he may be viewed more as a threat than just a boy. According to research, it’ll start around age 10
apa.org/news/press/rel…
8/

So when is it ok to take a part of my son’s childhood away?

You may ask, should tell him at all? Yes. I should.
#TamirRice was killed at age 12 for playing outside with a toy gun.

And one day he’ll go to college. @CharlesMBlow captures my fear:
nyti.ms/2YKyg8D 9/

This isn’t an anti-police or anti-gun argument. I’m in neither camp. Most people are well meaning.

But not all.

And some of THOSE people both have guns and no fear of retribution. It’s right to assume I’ll be ok most of the time. But it only takes one mistake to end it. 10/

So I don’t want apologies & sadness. I want anger. And I need that anger to match and exceed that of black parents.

I need the anger to translate to action.
For #Ahmaud’s voice has been silenced but it can live on in advocacy for #BlackLives

This is bullshit.
#IRunwithAhmaud