Mothers of black boys, dead or alive, live with an unspoken sadness due to the loss of their children’s perceived innocence.
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It was rush hour in Philadelphia, and in front of the Office of the District Attorney black mothers and those that love them hold onto strings attached to white balloons as if they were the collars of their children’s jacket, and they were pulling them in for one last hug before catching the bus for school.
Their heads were bowed as a prayer ensured… white male police officers looked on.
This was the ending scene to a White Balloon Vigil, in support of black mothers raising black children, organized by the PA State Chapter of the National Action Network. The event was a response to remarks District Attorney Seth Williams made about black women raising their sons to fear the police.
“I taught my son to respect police officers; I didn’t teach my son to run the streets or do the wrong things,” said Darrin Manning’s mother, Ms. Ikea Coney, who was joined by her family, which included Darrin’s sister, Kia.
Ms. Coney, though confused and distraught by the whole situation – and understandably still in shock – is just happy her son, a 16 year-old honor student, made it home alive.
“I want to thank the officers – Officer Purcell and the female officer – I’m just glad you didn’t kill my son,” she said.
As a result of the controversial stop-and-frisk performed on January 7th, 2014, Paula Peebles, Chair of PA State Chapter of NAN, said Darrin Manning will “never, ever, ever trust law enforcement again!”
Ms. Coney seconded that sentiment.
“If (police) harm us for no reason you leave us no other choice but to distrust the police.”
For the black boys killed at the hands of police officers and for those roughed up and sent home with a sticker tagged “lucky,” their mothers grieved for them just the same; they shouted equally as loud; and their collective tears formed a small puddle that reflected the harsh reality of black life.
It was rush hour in Philadelphia, and black women did all the things that mothers of innocent children should never have to do.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, I’m Flood the Drummer® & I’m Drumming for JUSTICE!™