Advice for a trip to Charlotte?

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Friday September 23, 2016 · 9:32 AM PDT

2016/09/23 · 09:32

Tomorrow I am likely to go to Charlotte and protest the killing of yet another African-American in this country. With me will be 17 year-old son, a young man with idealism and passion that make me proud. And nervous.

Because of this concern about safety, I would appreciate any advice from those with more experience at protests.

First a disclaimer — I’m a middle-aged white male, and I’m acutely aware of white privledge. To some, any concerns I have about tomorrow pale compared to what many POC face every day. I understand that point of view, and agree with it. But I am still concerned.

My son will be wearing his BLM t-shirt, and neither of us are very good about staying silent in the face of injustice. I will make it clear to him that he is not to taunt any LEO, and dont get into any shouting matches with counter-protesters. What else?

Is there a group of Kossacks that will be there? I would certainly feel safer in that environment. What other steps should I take?

I’ve been to other vigils and demonstrations with my kids, and wrote about one in an earlier diary. This is different because it will be a more charged environment, and the police in Charlotte have shown less restrant than what we would see in Greenville SC.

Thanks for any advice.

"Hands up!" (my 1st diary)

350Energy

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Monday September 01, 2014 · 2:36 PM PDT

2014/09/01 · 14:36

We said it together. A community, sort of.

I recognized a few faces gathered in front of the Peace Center. Many I had seen last summer, as we mourned another black boy, shocked that society placed so little value on his life that his killer was set free.

Two of my kids were with me, hands in the air and tears on their cheeks. I had struggled with the choice to bring them; at 11 & 13 there was so much they didn't know about the world (at least 1st-hand). In the end, that's the very reason I brought them.

RSS