Keysha L.

Jacksonville Campus Finalist

Guns drawn, bright lights surrounded me and the sounds of the helicopter over my head. I thought I was going to die. JSO surrounded me, and I didn't know why. I was only headed home from school.  The officer at my window said that a crime was committed in the area and my truck matched the description and I looked like the person involved in the shooting. My kids were on the phone crying and screaming, he snatched my phone and threw it in a ditch and told me I may not be talking to anybody anymore.  I was so mad and crying, full of hate to the point where I would have punched him if I could. I was taken out of the car and thrown on the wet dirty ground without cause. After 45 freaking minutes of having a gun to my head, with Lord knows how many more pointed from a distance I was let go, no apologies, no explanation except the officer saying black b**ch stop complaining. If you don’t like how things go down here, move to a better neighborhood. There was no car involved in crime. The person they were supposedly looking for was a 6'3 black male on foot wearing a red hoodie and black jeans with dreds. How do I match that description??!!!! I was shaking so bad after everything was over, I couldn't even drive home. I had no way to call my family and I still was not familiar with Jacksonville or knew anyone that I could go to. I still feel hate in my heart, every time I'm pulled over or approached by them, all I can wonder is if I will make it home this time.

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Racism, racial profiling…why? What does that achieve? Nothing! I now see people who act this way as being scared of me, because there is something powerful about my presence. I feel so bad for children raised in that environment.  Hate is taught and molded into minds at a young age, or something happens that changes a person's outlook on a whole race, all because if the actions of one. We struggle statistically on a daily basis.  I want to help build up my people. I want us to please step away from destroying each other, we have enough to worry about when we step out of our homes, especially black men. We shouldn't have to worry about our own bringing harm. We can stand together in voice, without destroying neighborhoods. There was once Black wall street, thriving black neighborhoods and schools. We can have that again and more. Equality starts at home, and extends out to others. Be positive with your IMAGE, don’t give the negative actions, helping to reinforce the stereotypical light we are already seen in.  Please.