If you see me walking down the street,
Don't walk on by. Stop and frisk. And
Then some. Even to the point from which
I can't come back. C'mon. 'Cause it's
Your right, right? After all, I'm not privy
To the rights of this land, all this falderal
'Bout equal treatment under the law. All
This talk of content of character. We don't
Need a thing except your good judgment
And my always timid acceptance. And
Even then, when your baton/taser/gun
And surefire sense of profiling are all
In my face, I'll acquiesce, even though
We both know it won't be enough. 'Cause
You're too busy protecting and serving
The place where I live (and you don't)
To give me the benefit, even when there
Was nothing about me to ever, ever doubt.
Gavin Sutton is a graduate of Jackson State University, a native of New Orleans and our resident Griot.
