9–1–1: A Call for Understanding — We’re a Black Family
Originally Written and went Viral May 2020
Originally Written and went Viral May 2020
9–1–1 Call: there’s a suspicious black man outside my business.
Don’t shoot — that’s my husband. He’s not suspicious he’s just playing Pokémon Go.
He’s kind, caring & silly. Our kids love climbing on him and calling him names. They even point out the fact he’s an “old man”.
Don’t shoot. I don’t deserve to raise my kids alone.
9–1–1 call: there’s a suspicious young black man carrying what looks like a gun wearing a mask.
Don’t shoot — that’s my son. He’s innocently playing video games in real life. You’ll see him waving his arms because he’s building a wall in fort nite to protect himself.
He’s kind, caring and sensitive. He’s got the most beautiful eyes and loves to play big brother to any younger children around him.
9–1–1 call: there’s a young girl in the store refusing to leave.
Don’t shoot. That’s Aaliyah somehow we got separated. She’s following direct orders not to leave that section until I get back. She’s going to refuse because I gave her instructions and have taught my children if you ever loose sight of me stay put and I will find you. Don’t go to ANYONE unless it’s someone we know and talk to frequently.
She’s smart, loving, wants to be a teacher and loves to talk about the things that being her joy.
9–1–1 Call: There’s a suspicious young girl out at the tracks running.
Don’t shoot. That’s McKenna. She’s going to be our athlete. She’s got energy for days and sometimes we sneak out and go for walks/runs. If you don’t see me don’t worry. It just means she faster than me and I’m right behind her.
That’s my baby. She’s gotta an amazing sense of humor. She thinks she’s cool, but she’s totally happy being a dork. She wants to be everyone’s friend and she’s a night owl who thinks sleep is for suckers.
9–1–1 Call: There’s a suspicious black woman walking around outside with what could be a weapon.
Don’t shoot. It’s me. What you see is my camera. It’s what allows me to be a mom to three beautiful children while my loving husband pushes and supports me following my dreams and accomplishing my goals.
I might be waiting on a client to finish getting ready in their home and scoping out the neighborhood for fun and great portrait spots. I might have been taking a long drive and pulled over for a break because I saw some gorgeous flowers on trees.
I might not hear your warnings because I keep my AirPods in my ear listening to gospel music from some of my favorite artist trying to continually praise God.
Don’t shoot. We’re a black family. I know it’s rare in some places, but we want to live life and watch our kids grow up too.
The Update:
When I wrote that piece back in May 2020, I never imagined it would resonate with so many people. The fear, the love, and the hope I shared for my family struck a chord in a world that desperately needed understanding. Since then, much has changed, and my heart has continued to grow.
Now that my children are navigating their pre-teen and teenage years, I find myself reflecting on the lessons learned during these formative times. We’ve faced new challenges and celebrated moments of joy, yet the underlying message remains the same: we are more than just what society sometimes perceives us to be.
As they enter these pivotal stages of development, we’ve had important conversations about identity, self-acceptance, and the realities of the world around them. I’m proud of the individuals they are becoming — each with their own unique strengths, dreams, and perspectives. Watching them grow more aware of societal issues, I strive to equip them with the tools to advocate for themselves and others, emphasizing the power of kindness, resilience, and empathy.
In the wake of continued struggles for justice and equality, I want to highlight the importance of unity and understanding. Each of us plays a vital role in creating a safer, more inclusive world. It’s essential to see beyond appearances and acknowledge the humanity in one another.
As I continue my journey as a mother, photographer, and community member, I remain committed to advocating for change and celebrating the beautiful tapestry of our diverse world. Together, we can create a future where all families, regardless of their background, can thrive in love and security.