For Them

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If police and doctors knew more about race and empathy, could they have done more to save his life? We will never know.

Do you remember the story about the police officer who killed Senior Airman Roger Fortson in his Florida apartment? While I published a post last month asking about your last ten days on earth, Chantemekki Fortson buried her son. I shared how the tragedy fueled me with anger and energy during a brutal stretch of a half-marathon.

It hit home as the father of two Black sons. Although I live abroad in a country with few reported incidents of police shootings, preparing my sons for future interactions with law enforcers is an unpleasant job my wife and I share. One day, they may relocate and live in the United States.

They must learn how to interact with the police now. The wrong decision could cost them their life.

After an internal review of the Fortson case, Officer Eddie Duran lost his job but maintained his freedom. Investigators confirmed that he failed to announce himself at the door or call for backup. The family of the deceased service member wants criminal charges pressed against the former deputy.  

At the time of this post, Duran has the privilege of being able to rebuild his life without additional consequences for his lethal actions.

Incidents like these push motive into my work. I teach students to raise the volume on the voiceless and to cultivate the courage to care for them. Whether it's a fitness or academic class, the learning environment is a place to initiate change.

While creating lesson plans on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility topics, I think about people from oppressed communities. I aim to incorporate content reflective of multiple identities and perspectives. The world needs more socially conscious and empathetic humans.

I'm not unique in this regard. You also play a pivotal role in your work to improve this world.

When I write, I envision readers who will respond to my words with actions that improve their personal and professional lives. Success is hard to measure, but I continue to push myself to develop and make an impact through this craft of putting words on paper.

What motivates you? It could be family, a sense of belonging, a cause, or an external stimulant like money. Picture something intrinsic and extrinsic, and allow them to drive you beyond your desires to park or quit.

Passion and purpose can empower individuals to do great things outside their limited perspectives of reality.

When situations like Florida happen, they remind us of the persistence of injustices and life's unpredictability. We must make the most of every day like it is our last. One day, we will be right.

If you're a father, make Sunday's Father's Day memorable. Appreciate the gift of fatherhood and do something you enjoy with your children.

My three little ones will endure a strenuous hike and a meal by the best wife a man can ask for in 2024. Watch our latest vlog episode with footage from May’s adventures below. Subscribe to this blog for another post next week filled with attempts to encourage the best possible version of you for them.