The Black Sanctuary

Three surgeries in six months: brain, back, and heart. I wanted to be done with this kind of stuff for a lot longer after my fourth knee replacement in 2020. This post isn't a "whiny-everything-sucks-woe-is-me" post. I'm not wired that way. This message is to remind you to get up and keep moving the best way you can when you're in pain or when things don't go your way. Find a way. In the same period I was managing these issues… ? I organized and hosted a United Against Hate seminar with the U.S. Department of Justice ? Was the Director of Security for a national conference of 22,000 women ? Taught at two Bellevue Police Department youth camps ? Created and successfully piloted a new course for teens, parents, and police ? Completed a local book tour for “The Police and Me” ? Began the design of an e-learning course (coming soon!) ? Launched and will lead a partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Attorney's Office, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. ? Won a national leadership award (to be announced) …to name a few things. I’m definitely not bragging because this has been difficult. I’m telling you that if you acknowledge these challenges for what they are you can develop a hardened and focused mindset towards achieving your goals. Very few knew my situation because I like talking about the future, not worrying about things I can't fully predict or control. There's too much to do and I have too much to offer to sit on my shoulders, lick my wounds, and watch the world go by. I'm sharing this with you now as I know someone needs to hear it. Life is short, sometimes shorter than expected, so start…making…moves…and don't stop!!! Apply for that job Start and WORK that new business Lose that fat/put on that muscle Take that trip Ask her to marry you… Hold up now…use good judgment. I didn't say be reckless.?? Stay focused. Let’s go.?????? -The Bionic Brotha

Yesterday, I visited a local school for a physical security assessment for their active shooter response program. I was impressed—these folks are doing their best. They’re thinking ahead, trying to be proactive. What really bothered me was the fact that the same people who are supposed to be teaching our children math and science (and not to eat glue) are now the ones trying to figure out how to keep kids from getting killed while they’re trying to learn. That is NOT their job. I have yet to see a master’s program in Education and Tactical Defense. Yet here they are, trying to MacGyver a security plan with duct tape, a couple of locked doors, and hope. As I walked through that school, I couldn’t shake this sick feeling—in 2025, there’s still almost nothing stopping a bad guy from walking in and turning that place into a headline. We keep acting like this is just normal. Also, if you want school resource officers to be the answer to the problem then their duties and daily schedule should be strictly aligned and focused on campus security. They can’t run student/police interaction programs while looking out for killers. That is not security. To all the state reps, senators, members of Congress, and Governors: Enough with your “thoughts and prayers” campaigns that last less than a week after a mass shooting. If kids are really “the future,” how about you stop treating them like afterthoughts? You find money for everything else—stadiums, bailouts for billion-dollar companies. ????♂?????♂? Well, how about throwing a little cash toward keeping kids and teachers alive? #ProtectOurKids #SchoolSafetyNow #NoMoreExcuses #ActNow #EnoughIsEnough #SecureOurSchools #DoYourJob #StopTheViolence #KidsDeserveBetter

Welcome to the relaunch of The Black Sanctuary's website! https://lnkd.in/gDJWpcn3 As you scroll through the new website, keep in mind… This is three years of hard work and consistency that started with a desire to fix a deadly serious problem between communities and law enforcement in our country. This job didn't exist. I created the blueprint to get it done. I wasn't hired, promoted, or appointed by anyone. I appointed myself to be the change-maker. This position didn't come with a budget. I reached into my bank account to create a solution for a nationwide problem…and one $2500 grant from Ezell's Famous Chicken. There was no organizational support in place. Just friends who believed in me and my mission and have volunteered their knowledge and skills to help me make moves. No matter the challenges, I've continued to build relationships and partnerships with school districts, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies….one by one. My point… Shift a little of your energy into creating solutions to problems instead of complaining about them. If you can't do it, join someone who is doing it. You can even volunteer with us, as we need plenty of assistance in the future. The Black Sanctuary's updated website is documented proof that you can create changes and, in my case, save lives. You can't always put your faith into elected and appointed "leaders." Sometimes YOU have to be the change you want to see. Get busy. Stay focused. D. Dot

My Aunt (in-law) Yvette Duncan, the creative director and one of the original designers of Apple Bottom Jeans, took a moment from designing for celebrity clientele to design a jacket for her great-nephew, Duke! Of course, both Duke and I were excited to see the first patch from “The Police and Me” come to life! Thanks, Auntie, for always showing so much love!

This year was the first year we did an MLK Day service event as a family. We always teach Duke the importance of helping other people. I'm glad that he already sees the necessity and benefit of helping others, whether donating some of his toys, books, or clothes to someone in need. On this service day we talked about the importance of giving your time and energy. I'll admit I'm not looking forward to explaining racism to Duke. The first time I read a children's book about Martin Luther King to him, he couldn't wrap his head around why MLK was told by one of his white friend's parents that he had to leave specifically because he was black. Duke looked at me and said, "Why Papa? That wasn't very nice." All I decided to share at the moment was, "No, it’s not, but it happens." As a teenager I had plenty of these experiences, and 30 years later, it still doesn't make sense. Duke will have enough time throughout his life to develop his stance on the matter, but right now, what's essential is teaching him the importance of giving back to his community to make it better no matter what. #MLKDay #MakeADifference #RealChange #CommunityImpact #DoTheWork #MLKDayOfService

I was invited and honored to join the YMCA of Bellevue (Washington) advisory board. This opportunity is both a privilege and a responsibility I take to heart. I'm excited to work alongside dedicated individuals who share my passion for serving our community. Thanks to Larry Gilmore and Andy Sharpe for their trust and confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the YMCA's mission. I look forward to helping the Y build stronger and more connected communities where youth and families have the opportunity to thrive to their fullest potential. Let's get to work!

This picture is the result of several months of organizing, yet it’s just the beginning. I’m very excited to share that I'll lead an initiative through my company, The Black Sanctuary, partnering with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States Attorneys' Offices alongside the Seattle National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., to advance civil rights awareness. ???? Together, we’re working to create opportunities for education, dialogue, and empowerment. I’m excited about the impact we’ll make, starting locally and building momentum to reach communities across the country, with a special focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We aim to empower students and communities to understand and advocate for their rights in transformative ways. Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re a high school, college, or university in the Northwest or elsewhere in the country or part of an HBCU, let’s connect and bring this initiative to life! #CivilRightsAwareness #TheBlackSanctuary #DOJ #FBI #NPHC #CommunityEmpowerment #HBCUPride #TogetherWeCan

???This video is set to the tune of Lou Rawls' version of "Pure Imagination," as that is where this journey started. I imagined something that was not only different for our country but better. It showcases the pure joy on kids' faces as they eagerly listen, learn, and engage—sharing hugs and high-fives, feeling seen, heard, and empowered over the course of multiple readings of "The Police and Me." These moments remind me why I do what I do: to create safer futures, one conversation, one book, and one child at a time. ?? Thank you to EVERYONE who has been part of this journey so far. We're building bridges, inspiring hope, and changing countless lives. Oh, and we're just getting started. ?? *Shout out to Slager Fuj Creative Media and Oscar Demure Photography!!! #ThePoliceAndMe #EmpoweredYouth #CommunityEngagement #PoliceAwareness #PositiveChange #PureImagination

Hey there folks! I’m thrilled to kick off my Fall book readings with THREE exclusive book reading events of my best-selling children's book, “The Police and Me,” happening this SATURDAY at three King County library locations: ?? KCLS Bellevue Library - 12:00PM-1:00PM https://lnkd.in/gHfYvGey ?? KCLS Redmond Library - 2:00PM-3:00PM https://lnkd.in/gk2w4ZhR ?? KCLS Newcastle Library - 4:00PM-5:00PM https://lnkd.in/gNA4sbNN These events are more than just book readings – it's a chance to spark meaningful conversations between kids, parents, and communities about how to interact safely with law enforcement. At this point I’ve read “The Police and Me” to THOUSANDS of children and I’ve learned that this may be the only education kids and parents will ever receive on such a critical subject matter. ?? Special Guest Alert!!!?? The star of the book—my son, Duke—will be joining us! Duke's presence will make this event even more personal and inspiring, bringing the story to life in a way that I believe will resonate with young readers and families. Why You Should Attend: ? Empower children and parents to feel confident during police encounters. ? Engage in a fun, interactive experience with Q&A and book signings. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community leader, this event is an incredible opportunity to promote safety, understanding, and empowerment. I can't wait to see you there and share the important message behind “The Police and Me” with you! ??? Mark Your Calendar: This Saturday 10/26/2024 ?? Three Locations to Choose From – Make it a Saturday family outing! Let's make a difference together. See you on Saturday! Purchase a copy of “The Police and Me” for the kids (and guardians) in your life as this book is literally for everyone! Find it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/iCLf14p #ThePoliceAndMe #CommunityEmpowerment #FamilyEvent #BookReading #KingCountyLibraries #MeetTheAuthor

"Is he a good American?" I still remember the first time I heard this question. A buddy of mine applied for a position on a federal task force and had listed me as a reference. After a series of straightforward questions, the interviewer paused and said, "For my final question, I want to ask you, is he a good American?" I thought to myself, "What a powerful question." Without hesitation, I responded with absolute certainty: "Hell yeah, he's a good American!" There was no need to explain what made him "good" in the interviewer's eyes. I could hear the smile on the other end of the line as the interviewer responded, "That's good to hear." Fast-forward to when I applied for a federal position myself. I decided to prepare one of my references and close friends, Ayisha, by sharing the types of questions she might get asked. I said, "If they ask if I'm a good American, what would you say?" Without missing a beat, Ayisha shot back in her classic, confident tone, "Uh, YES! Absolutely!" She even took a moment to elaborate on why she felt that way. Ayisha probably doesn't remember that conversation, but I'll never forget it. It was cool to hear a friend I admire and respect describe me as a positive, contributing member of our society—especially during a rigorous hiring process. But today, when I look around at the division, negative discourse, and endless abuse that have consumed our politics, I can't help but think about that question again. I doubt that when America's founders envisioned our democratic process, they intended political discussions to devolve into riots and violence. That's why you won't see me engage in the back-and-forth on social media. It's not because I don't care or don't have opinions on these matters. It's because I believe that regardless of the party you vote for or the box you check, there's a standard we all should strive to uphold in these matters. And to me, that's being a "good American." So, when you're in the heat of a political debate, feeling frustrated or ready to hurl an insult, take a step back and ask yourself: "Am I being a good American right now?" Because at the end of the day, the goal isn't just to win an argument—it's to ensure that we're all contributing positively to the country we call home. Be the example you want to see, folks. #Vote