History books now include Trayvon Martin.

I'm old enough and live in a place where racism is nothing new. It is an unfortunate part of my life and reality that I wish did not exist. 

I am going to be completely transparent here about the Zimmerman trial. I was hoping and believing Trayvon's senseless murder would be the case where a black mans life held value.

Zimmerman is wrong. 

Zimmerman committed a crime.

He was disobedient and disregarded the instruction from dispatchers who told him to not pursue Trayvon. 

He approached, attacked, and killed that baby. 

Zimmerman is guilty of killing that young man in a lot of eyes except the ones that mattered most...the six jurors.

I sit here truly shocked and saddened by today's verdict. I have this overwhelming urge to grab my son and hug him really tight. Heartbroken and fighting back tears I find myself wondering why? Then this came to mind. Chicago shootings

Murder is wrong regardless of who killed who and the skin they are in. Its time for us to break up the monotony and start saving each other.

Why are we not upset by the murders in Chicago?  

When did it become the norm for us to kill each other? Our black men are killing each other so fast, when a man like Zimmerman does it, it becomes news. Why? Zimmerman broke the monotony.

Need another example of our crazy mentality.  Paula Deen and the N word controversy. It's okay as long as we call each other the N word but becomes a problem when a white man or woman calls us that. Fast forward and now the only thing SCANDALous about the Paula Deen controversy is her hiring Judy Smith to fix it. Meanwhile back at the house many of us are still using the N word. 

This constant attack against ourselves is genocide and its real. Merriam Webster defines genocide as

the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group. — 

Until WE as Black Americans or African Americans (whatever your preference), care about and stop killing each other all the Zimmerman's of the world will enjoy victories like today.

What do we have to do to help you, young black man, realize that your life is important? 
What needs to happen for you to care more about your fellow man than a shoe with a mans name on it?
Jordan, Kobe, and Lebron are all sitting at home enjoying the luxuries of life from your shoe purchase. Do you think any of them would kill over a pair of shoes? Where is the disconnect?

Fathers talk to your sons. If you don't have a son, talk to the child you see in the barbershop, mall, school, gym, etc. Be a positive influence. William Wilson made a huge impact with such a small gesture. 
Young men stop being so quick to fly off the handle, getting in the face of anybody in a position of authority. If you know the system is designed to take you out why would you make yourself a target?

You have already witnessed Michael Vick serve two years for fighting dogs and Plaxico Burress serve time for shooting himself. Do you not think that the justice system would pass up an opportunity to show you yet again that you are walking a fine line in this land of the free? Our justice system is flawed and we are most often on the losing side.

It is possible to live a positive life and make a difference as a young black man. Kyle Murray, 25,  has forever left an impression on my heart because of the tenacious efforts he put forth for his generation and Trayvon Martin. This young man organized a rally and marched in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. He tweeted. He spoke up for his generation. He used his voice to make a difference. Check out these news articles regarding the rally. Kyle Murray in the News and WBTV News 

Don't just forget about Trayvon tomorrow and become idle until a tragedy like this happens again.
Trayvon represents more than the killing of a young black man by a white man. Trayvon represents the enormous task at hand of saving a generation to ensure a future. "Trayvon"s are dying every day. They are in Florida, Chicago, Detroit, North Carolina, California, they are every where. Their names may be different but they are all dying the same death. A life ended to soon by senseless acts of violence.

I pray for Trayvon's family because that young man was not doing anything wrong. He was minding his business one minute and fighting a losing battle for his life the next.

Praying for my son, my brothers, my nephews, sons of my friends and your friends. Praying for the "Kyle Murray"s so they do not lose hope. Praying for my race. Praying for my country. Why? I'm praying because I do not want to lose another "Trayvon".