Mark Wyner
Aug 9, 2017 · 1 min read

David, you broke my heart open with this. For a long time I have been wanting to write this article for my son, who is a black boy with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). He is unable to manage his emotions, especially anger, and can completely shut down at any moment for any reason. When he does, his everything changes. He becomes someone who won’t even interact with his parents. He is filled with a silent rage that is clearly visible, and shifts the energy in an entire room.

So many times my wife and I have had this conversation. So many times we have pondered what he might do if ever confronted by a police officer for anything even remotely mild. What would happen if he characteristically pulled up his hood to hide, as he does when he shuts down.

We are grateful that he is almost always home with us. But when he does leave the house with a friend, we get nervous. And we know that some day he’ll begin to leave more often. We know he won’t drive for many years to come, but that some day he will. This will haunt us for our entire lives, knowing that he will always be at risk. That on any day he could be executed like so many boys/men before him. That one day his name could be on a list with the hashtag #SayHisName.

Thank you for your vulnerability, wisdom, and edification. I stand with you, brother. Together we will continue to fight. ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

    Mark Wyner

    Written by

    Meditator, UX designer, technologist, public speaker, writer, family man, soccer addict, activist. ✊🏻