In 2016, Austin was twice plunged into the national debate about race and policing. The first time was in February, when police officer Geoffrey Freeman fatally shot an unarmed, naked black teen who ran toward him. In July, a video was released showing officer Bryan Richter slamming Breaion King, a 26-year-old schoolteacher, to the ground during a routine traffic stop.
With each new report of fatal encounters between African-Americans and police, tough discussions about the role race plays in policing have occurred across the country.
But for black parents, this conversation is nothing new. For generations, they’ve had The Talk with their children about how to survive interactions with police: Don't argue. Don't get shot. Don't give them a reason. Come home.