“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by their color of their skin but by the content of their character.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
If he was alive how do you think he would be reacting to these shooting of young men? Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and reaching home to my family Steven Askew who was shot last year in his car at the Windsor Apartment while he was waiting on his girlfriend. To us these young men were innocent and was “minding their own business”.
There are conflicting stories on all three victims but do WE know the real truth. They say it’s 3 sides to the story: your side, their side and the truth. What was the truth here in these stories? They were all young, African American and had no prior records on them. So why shoot the victim verses another alternative? Did the victims provoke them and the officer used unnecessary actions to maintain the situation? Parents want to know why! 
According to Steven Askew case, it’s reported by Action News Channel 3 that “Memphis police were dispatched to the apartment complex at Knight Arnold and Mendenhall around 9:50 p.m. Thursday on a loud music disturbance call. When officers arrived, they said they saw a man slumped over the wheel in his car and they went to check on the man. According to Memphis police Sgt. Alyssa Macon-Moore, the man then pulled out a gun. Officers immediately opened fire, killing him.” The gun was registered and he was in a location that definitely needed protection. Did the police officer over-react? Would you have done the same? My belief is he could have just stated loudly, “Put down your gun!” There could have been some alternatives that could have been done for all 3 victims but they weren’t taken. Read the article yourself. http://wreg.com/2013/01/18/man-shot-killed-by-memphis-police/
There is a lesson in all situation. Although African Americans are judged quicker, let’s not give them a reason to. If you are asked to stop, then STOP. Don’t start confrontation with the officer and don’t bring attention to gather a large crowd. Be submissive to the officer and remember the officers name and badge number if possible; but don’t get smart and say I have your badge and name and will make sure that you get it. Officers are human and they get pissed just like you and sometimes going by the book is not on their mind. We understand officers are here to protect us and keep us safe, but how far do you think they should go to make a person stop or get their point across? How much necessary force is needed? This is dedicated to my aunt who will forever mourn the lost of her son. These families are hurting and they want answers now!
UCAN Making a Difference In the Community 