Breaking the Ban

“You can’t change how other people think and act, but you’re in full control of you. When it comes down to it, the only question that matters is this: If nothing in the world ever changes, what type of man are you gonna be?”
― Nic Stone, Dear Martin

Goodreads

What to Do (and Not Do) When Approached by Police

The 411 on the Five-O by the NAACP

Scenario: You are walking down the street and a police officer approaches you, and asks you if they can search your backpack. What steps should you take to ensure your rights are protected while maintaining a situation that does not escalate? Have an open discussion after writing your response. Include any personal experiences you might want to share with others.

A Letter to Dr. Martin Luther King

Write a letter to Martin Luther King discussing some of the events that have taken place since his death, especially in recent years of the Black Lives Matter Movement and the death of Trayvon Martin. In what ways can you live more like “Martin,” and be an inspiration to people to take action or become more knowledgeable of events like the death of Trayvon Martin or George Floyd? What are some of your own beliefs living in this day in age, and what are the ways in which you advocate for them?

Bryan Stevenson: We Need to Talk About an Injustice | TED

Watch this TedTalk where human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson discusses mass incarceration and how incarceration rates have increased significantly over the years. Stevenson talks about identity, and how people are not the worst thing they’ve ever done. He goes on to discuss how a society should be judged not by how they treat the wealthy but by how they treat the poor and the incarcerated.
1. How do you identify with these issues?
2. What are ways you might want to change or improve our justice system, including the death penalty, poverty rates, incarcerated rates, and interactions with the police and the police system as a whole?
3. How might you hope to be a more compassionate or mindful citizen in the future, after having read Dear Martin and watching this TedTalk?
4. Are there things you’ve done already that have helped your community or groups of people that might have needed it?