Letter To My [INSERT HERE]

So in January at least 42 people were murdered in Chicago, most by guns, one an honor-student and athlete, 15, back from the big inauguration, shot literally across the street from the house my ex-wife grew up in, one block from my kids' maternal grandpa's house. The mayor rants about more cops and fewer teachers. Now it's Black History Month and as folks say, I'm 'shook' and deeply so. Yesterday I was on the bus, coming back south on Lake Shore Drive, riding with a friend that had ended up at the same corporate diversity talk and dinner as I. As the bus swooshed along, our conversation veered to the topic of guns and violence against young people and children. Single and without kids, she didn't have the salve for inner fears that we parents can reach for when the murder of children hits close to home or far away, of hugging our own kids. As much for our kids, we know this act also is a comfort or dilusion for ourselves. Maybe I can't do much, but I can protect this one child right here. I reminded her though that she is a mentor. For, gosh, is it five years now? She's been a mentor to a girl whose dad was in prison and whose mom's hands were full. My friend's words, time and personal example have had a major impact on this girl's life, showing her that she's not a prisoner of her environment. Right now I am terrifed for my own children, one inching toward 21, one in high school (the next school South from King College Prep) and one finishing middle school. What can I give them besides hugs? This year, in this season of guns and murder and Black History, I decided to give them James Baldwin's "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew On The Hundreth Anniversary of Emancipation." I linked to The Progressive because this letter/essay first appeared in print in that publication in 1962, if I am correct. I encourage you to read this for your own heart's sake, and read it to any young person who matters to you, especially the one who feels trapped, troubled or in trouble. Read it as Baldwin wrote it, then read it again, inserting the child's ethinicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, document status, medical condition, crimminal record or financial circumstance. Ws all can do that.