Plan Futures, Not Funerals.

A vigil on Sunday at the spot where Michael Brown was killed a day earlier. (J.B. Forbes/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

As a young man of color, I know that the economical, behavioral, and educational statistics are not stacked in my favor.

As a young man of color, I know that many in society have a preconceived idea of what I am destined to be or not to be.

However, as a young man of color, I know that all of these obstacles can be overcome…all of these battles can be won…all of these hurdles can be cleared.

Sadly, this message is not being received by many that look like me. What is even worse is that this message is not being told by many that look like me to many that look like me.

A black boy will never learn that two plus two equals four if he is not taught it. Just like a black boy will never learn that he has immense prosperity if he is not taught it.

We, as a community and a nation, must show our youth that their lives are not to be decided by the power of a police officer’s bullet, but by the power of a classroom’s bookcase.

We, as a race and a culture, must show our youth that their lives are not just destined for a rap studio or a basketball court, but also for Wall Street and Congress.

When we, as an inclusive society, willingly band together, injustices and prejudices can and will be overcome.

When we, as a nation that is supposedly for all, decide that no matter what you look like, what your zip code is, or how much wealth you possess, you are still valuable…we will see progress.

One day, we will be fed up with images of black mothers’ beautiful faces stained with tears and decide that we are ready to plan futures, not funerals.

God Bless those who continue to fight for societal injustices every day; your tireless efforts are truly appreciated and still needed.

God Bless Michael Brown and his family, because he was on the right path with a mother and father who loved and supported him.

I just wish that every black boy, like Michael and I, could say the same...