Dear Desmond,
If only I could keep you little. It’s only been a year and you’ve grown so much. Half of your life has passed since the last time I wrote you. And since, we’ve seen a lifetime’s worth of change. A worldwide racial reckoning.
This year, we’ve once again had to say too many names, shed too many tears.
We’re still in a pandemic, both medical and racial. Some of our Asian brothers and sisters have also been victims and become vocal.
We painted, we protested, we performed. We demanded change that wasn’t performative.
And one change was that we finally received, not justice, but accountability, which became a celebration as if it were an inauguration.
I don’t want you to get justice, I want you to just live.
So, when they say your name, it’s because you won a championship game or championed change not because you were slain.
I want to keep you little.
If I could keep you little, I wouldn’t have to fear you screaming, “Hands up, don’t shoot.” But then you’d never see how you can use your mind, body and soul to lift others up.
If I could keep you little, I wouldn’t have to worry about you having to work twice as hard to get half as much. But then you’d never get to have a mentor and be a mentor, to bet on yourself and bring others up with you as an ally.
I wish I could keep you little because then I wouldn’t have to worry that if you don’t comply, you’ll die.
I wish I could keep you little because I fear what the world might do to you. But then I would never realize what you could do in this world.
I wish I could keep you little and bounce you on my knee, but then I won’t know if you’ll grow up and be brave enough to take a knee. To put people before profit. To use your platform for a purpose. Hopefully you won’t have to.
I hope your race doesn’t get you in trouble, but if it does, don’t be afraid to get into good trouble.
I said a year ago this is a movement not a moment. Well son, the movement’s not done.
Yes, we’re still wearing masks but we’re no longer hiding in plain sight.
We live on land that was stolen. Our ancestors were stolen from our land. But right now, we’re taking back what we deserve.
Our dignity. Our safety. Our equality.
Sadly, George Floyd and many others, both Canadian and American, had to live out their nightmares so we could start to live out our dreams.
I can’t keep you little, so when you get big, dream big. Be whatever you want and follow the lead of the change-makers and the love-spreaders in politics, in the arts, in sports. Because they’re fighting now for you to have a fighting chance later.
You’re Black. You’re beautiful. You’re a blessing. And in 2021, forever and always, your life matters.
Love,
Dad
24:01