How to Talk to Young Black Boys about Trayvon Martin

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By Touré, Time

Eight talking points about the potentially fatal condition of being black

1. It’s unlikely but possible that you could get killed today. Or any day. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth. Black maleness is a potentially fatal condition. I tell you that not to scare you but because knowing that could save your life. There are people who will look at you and see a villain or a criminal or something fearsome. It’s possible they may act on their prejudice and insecurity. Being black could turn an ordinary situation into a life-or-death moment even if you’re doing nothing wrong.

2. If you encounter such a situation, you need to play it cool. Keep your wits about you. Don’t worry about winning the situation. Your mission is to survive.

Time has the rest of the tips.

The media can also be helpful for representing Black boyhood.

Find more Black news stories.

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