A Fellow of a Human Being
It was a typical visit to the drugstore. Well, a typical post-covid visit is more like it. And as my thirteen-year-old son and I were walking back out to the parking lot, an unmarked police SUV was flashing blue lights and two undercover police officers were handcuffing a man.
The experience was so up close and personal and was something I had never witnessed before. I had to stop and take notice. I wasn’t being nosy or trying to figure out what the person had done. And I wasn’t stopping in hopes to see any action of any kind. I stopped because both police officers were white. And the man being handcuffed was black.
As we emerged from the store and got the initial glimpse of what was happening, I had an instinctual burning desire to be sure nothing happened to the man now in custody. I didn’t care in the slightest what he had allegedly done. To this day I have no idea. I didn’t search the news, the web, or any papers. It simply didn’t matter to me. What did matter to me was that this fellow of a human being was treated with respect.
And he was.
One of the police officers kindly helped him light his last cigarette. I was satisfied with the kind gesture. But I kept watching to be sure the respect continued.
Whoever this person was, he is a fellow human being, with a set of lungs in his body just like me. At one point, he and his girlfriend were getting annoyed that a few of us were standing by. But I flashed a peace sign.
One woman walking by asked me what happened. And all I could say was, “I don’t know. I’m just making sure he is treated with respect.” And then another woman stopped and asked what did he do? And again, I said, “I don’t care about that. I’m just standing here in case he is not treated with respect and may need help.” I said these reply’s loud enough for the police officers to hear. And to my pleasant surprise, nothing happened.
It felt good to stand by a fellow human being—whether he wanted me there or not. I am an ally. And it felt good to be a citizen willing to go to bat for a stranger. Regardless. And it felt really good to share the experience and continue the conversation about racism with my white thirteen-year-old son.
BIO:
Author, Radio Show Host, Spiritual Coach - Nicole Perry
As the creator and radio show host for Powerful Women Revealed, my mission is to support women entrepreneurs and women in business who are just like me; They have powerful missions, a deep burning desire to support their community, and they want to use their voice to make a difference.
Some women are floating under the radar and what I love to do is bring clarity to my listeners about these amazing women so that they can rise above, be seen, and be heard.
I love supporting women with their marketing strategies by providing valuable credibility, in a loving, safe, and supportive environment.
I guide my guests while they share their expertise and strengths to educate and inspire others. In turn, they appreciate the quality media marketing and advertising and are grateful for the help in capturing an interview for them to share. Together, along with our listeners, we focus on my guests' journey, how passionate they are, and what sets them apart from others in a similar field.
Be Love. See Love. Give Love.