I decided to release this throwback video today on the 5th anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death because most of us are still not really comfortable talking about race or war in this country with family members, let alone complete strangers. I wanted to publish the short story first or do another theatrical run but someone may need this message now.

The video isn’t the best quality but it is my hope that it will spark a quality conversation. There will always be miscommunication but I hope this true story prevents you from jumping to conclusions or helps you consider the importance of listening to understand versus listening to simply respond.

What happens when a marginalized person exerts power in this country?

What happens when he or she apologizes for any perceived wrong doing or when he or she doesn’t?

Are we still heading to war? Will we ever truly know peace?

I don’t have all the answers but I do know I write to heal and to be heard. After all, Audre Lorde reminds me that my silence won’t protect me.

Audre Lorde: "Your silence will not protect you."

 

Here’s the video of my play at the 2015 Tampa Bay Theatre Festival.