Basil, The Writer

A funny thing happened at 'Back To School Night'

Confession. I arrived last Thursday evening to an event at my daughter's school with a bit of baggage. Taking into account the malaise of my work day, coupled with a commute from Fort Meade, Maryland into Washington D.C. on 295S that included listening to a White House press briefing, I entered into the school building in a mind space not well-suited or prepared to digest the diligent, classroom productions of my own children. I'd like to apologize and profess that I will never allow this to happen again.

Basil, you are but 10yrs old with the wisdom of a thousand years. Dear God how I praise and adore you. Keep flying young girl, keep FLYING.


Basil James Mann, 10yrs old, Student, Inspired Teaching School Washington, D.C. 

I AM POEM - 11/7/17

I am brave and powerful

I wonder about the meaning of life

I hear life going round and coming back again

I see a mountain of which I climb

I want to be a supreme court judge

I am brave and powerful

I pretend to be the best judge I can be

I feel like a warrior fighting for freedom

I touch my goals that keep me moving forward

I worry that not everyone will make it in life

I cry when the safety of the world pulls my father away from me

I am brave and powerful

I understand that the world is not fair

I say that the world can give back

I dream to make it to the top

I try to do the right thing

I hope that world will become a place for all

I am brave and powerful
 

Will They Kill You Daddy?

#69

Dear Basil & Sabine,

Sit down girls. Daddy has to tell you something. And I'm sorry, I am truly sorry I have to do this. I thought it was something I could put off for awhile - at least until we were each much older. But I see now with each passing day it is my responsibility to prepare you for what I see is becoming a more likely reality for us as a family.

Daddy may very likely be killed. Not because I've done anything wrong mind you, but because of the color of my skin and the propensity for those to find fault with it. I wish I could have that make sense to you, but no matter how much you read or listen to others speak on this subject, it never will. I can't predict the hour, the month, or the day - but sadly, it's out there and you need to both be prepared for it.

You see, right now, I wish I could say these words I type are boggling my senses, but with each keystroke I have accepted the notion of how true these words are for all of us. So while anger, frustration and sadness consume not only your father, but countless black men and WOMEN in the same predicament, I have a steely calm about me now.

At 7 and 9 years of age I wish your days were filled with nothing but the joys of being little girls - full of wonder, imagination and playfulness, but your lot in America means you also have to face this reality. I can't change that, so many have tried - but there is NO safe place. You will have broader shoulders because of this, your back will be stronger. Though tired and weary over time, your determination to push forward will propel you through greater valleys than those around you because of our reality. Your mother and I have prepared you for this. Do not let fear overcome you. Face the adversity headstrong for as long as your impenetrable will shall allow.

I cannot stop what lay ahead. The hunters are hunting as they always have. Uncle Dwayne and other scholars will have documented this further for you to absorb in your older years. Embrace this record of history and make it a part of you. This will rid you of ignorance and keep you awakened to our reality.

Daddy did everything he possibly could to protect you and keep himself here for you. Please believe me. I prepared as safe a space I could for you both. When I am gone, others will step in to continue to protect you, but this will only last until a time in which you will have to protect your own selves from the hunters. I pray God places his hedge of protection around you as I do each day I breathe.

I have to go now girls. But know that I will love you always. You are the greatest most important piece of me. And I will do all I can in the hours, days, and months ahead to be sure you know this. Because the hunters are hunting.