Suspicious

Image credit: Brian Branch-Price

The phrase, “the talk” is sometimes used to describe the conversations Black parents have with their children about being safe when out in the world. It is a topic often revisited after highly publicized incidents of racist police violence.

In Talena Lachelle Queen’s, Suspicious, the author touches upon a variety of versions of “the talk,” while clarifying that each is also an expression of love.

Suspicious

Stay in the house and lock the door
I’m telling you this because I love you

Come in the house when the streetlights come on
Keep both of your hands on the steering wheel
Don’t 
make any 
sudden moves
I’m telling you this because I love you

Take your hoodie down when you go in the store
Don’t run, not even while playing
Don’t attract any attention
Take that base out of your voice
Assimilate
I'm telling you this because I love you

If you have a problem, call me - not the police
If the police come, say, “Yes, Sir or “Yes, Ma’am”
Tell the officer your age
Ask to call your mother
Yes, you do have an attorney
It can happen to anybody, but
Your skin color - our skin color- increases the chance
Your freedom is different than his freedom
Do not resist 
Make it to court
Be still
I’m telling you this because I love you

Protest. Persist. 
Be a prospect though I suspect that will be viewed as a suspect
You have to be better than everyone else
You have to push harder
You have to get there earlier
You can’t make any mistakes
It won’t be easy for you

No, you can’t go to that pool.
No, you can’t play in that park.
No. wait. Maybe later.
I’m telling you this because I love you