Dear Youth of Color,

Dear Youth of Color,

WE have failed you, just as my parents generation failed me.

Not in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought, at my age, I’d be witness to the very same systematic oppression, and violence afforded to my parents, grandparents, & great-grandparents in this country.

And never in my wildest dreams, would I have thought that one day I would have to have this conversation with you.

WE are sorry!

There are so many things I want to share with you, about my journey. The things which do not involve a race or class war. Journeys and adventures involving all shapes, sizes and color of people- getting along, and behaving in harmony. People collectively on a mission to achieve great things, and fulfil a bigger purpose.I want to share these stories with you.

There are no guarantees I can give you which will make life easier for you. What I can tell you  is to always work hard- uncaring of how hard the next person is working. I want you to know that because of INTEGRATION you are growing up in a world where people come in so many beautiful colors- colors which ought be embraced, adored, and proud of. Never allow anyone to tell you, they are color blind, for your color has purpose.

I want to share with you one bold thing I have learned along this journey- Fear is not real- we create fear. The government creates fear, employers will create fear. Friends will create fear. DO NOT BE AFRAID, for you have come from a strong heritage. Never forget the millions who have slaved, fought, and died for all of us to be able to achieve steps closer to equality and humanity. Never forget your lineage at its roots was once rich, and prosperous. Continue to seek the truth and learn who you are. Never Give Up!

WE will do better.

Starting now. It is time to come together as people first. Embrace your neighbor-do not fear them. Be cautious and mindful, but not judgemental- for we, people of color, have had this very same judgment placed upon us for centuries- and it is not up to us to place this judgement, but rather know when to walk away.

Educate yourselves constantly. Grow your mind and knowledge. Articulate your speech, and create your future. Ask as many questions as it takes to achieve the answers you are looking for. Befriend people of wisdom, not people of schooling. Befriend people who have experiences and knowledge to share which, will  enrich your life. Share your knowledge and experiences- learn this reciprocation, and practice it without expectation.

You are never alone. Often you may feel this way, but it is not true. Seek out what it is you are looking for, and it will appear. If you come from a bad environment, and want better than your family is able to provide. Learn to access support systems within your community and outside of your community. Build your base of prospective mentors, and do not be afraid to ask for help.DO NOT BE AFRAID!

Alton Stirling, Baton Rouge Louisiana, and Philando Castile St. Paul Minnesota.

I am confident you have all either read the paper, social media and/or have been watching the news with regards to Alton Stirling and Philando Castile.

Here is what I will tell you about life as a person of color.

• We are not treated as equal, but this DOES NOT mean you have to behave as less than equal. Your duty is to rise above all else, because you deserve better.

• You will have to work harder than most White people- no worries, because you have to work harder- you will also learn more, and have more arsenal in your bag...ALWAYS KNOW YOUR WORTH- never let anyone else define your worth or place a value on you.

• I honestly cannot tell you to trust law enforcement, for I know what goes through my mind when I see people like us treated poorly on media outlets, or in the public. I will however advise that you to make this judgement (not judgemental) for yourself, based on your interaction and relationship with your local law enforcement. Sometimes it is just as simple as creating the relationship.

• I cannot tell you that all White people are bad, I also cannot tell you they are all good. This is the same for Black people, Asian people, Latino people, everyone. Consider yourself a universe, and you create relationships, freely placing them into your orbit. Some will be very close to you, while others are so far away you cannot even see them. People will move themselves throughout your atmosphere based on how you choose to cultivate, and nurture the relationship. My point is base your distaste for another human based on your interaction with them, or relationship to them. I do not believe people are naturally evil-but I do believe they can be taught to be.

• Be awake at all times. Know who you are with, where you are going. Don’t place yourself in compromising situations, intentionally. Things will happen, know when to pick and choose your battles, remembering not to use words as a weapon, but rather a gauge of your intellect.

I love you. I thank you. I honor you

Jonathan King-Cretot