Dear Mama - 2Pac

Hey Will. It’s Mom.

On May 25, 2020, a man named George Floyd was murdered when Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds while Floyd was handcuffed and facedown on the asphalt.

Mural in front of Cup Foods - the site of George Floyd’s murder - in Minneapolis, MN.

Artwork by Xena Goldman, Cadex Herrera, Greta McLain, Niko Alexander, and Pablo Hernandez.
Photo by Xena Goldman

Among his last words as he lay dying were to call out for his (deceased) mom.

A grown man called out for his mama.

I’ve heard that dying soldiers do the same. In their last moments when the darkness starts to close in, these battle-trained men and women call for their mothers.

I keep thinking about you and what it’ll be like the first time I hear you call me “mama.”

I’m fully expecting your first words to be “Dada” or “Indy” but the first time I hear you call me “Mama” - I’m gonna cry a lot.

Then, I think about what your voice will sound like when you’re older.

When you yell, “Mom! Have you seen my cleats?” across the house. Or how you’ll roll your eyes and groan, “Mom...” when I invariably embarrass you. Or the tenor of your voice as you rush to find me in a crowd in your cap and gown.

I can’t wait to hear you speak.

I don’t know what you sound like yet but I promise you that I always hear your voice.

No matter how far away I am.

George Floyd’s murder was a catalyst for global protests. And right now, as you tumble and stretch inside me - millions of your neighbors line the streets all over the world are speaking out for justice, equity and truth in the hopes that their voices will be heard and serious changes will be made.

And they’re doing it in the middle of a pandemic which is just amazing, terrifying and awe-inspiring. 

You are growing during interesting times, buddy. God, I wish so much that they were boring. That 24-hour cable news was fixated on corn futures or some asshole being sent to prison for insider trading, but you’re growing stronger during a global pandemic when people are fighting hard for justice.

All I can do is keep you safe and hope the spirit of the times infuses your soul in as much that you’ll use your voice and speak out for those who are unable or whose voices might not be so readily heard.

Remember - you can’t extol the virtues of a nation founded on the bedrock of rebellion against the unjust and then, condemn those who rise up against injustice.

Remember that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness and that no-one is free until we are all free.

Know your rights, raise your voice and make your mama - a card-carryin’ member of the ACLU - proud.

See you soon.

We love you xx

P.S. - We took this family portrait today (minus Roxybear who hates the beach).  You’re the guy covered up by the red and white polka dots.

We’ve been going to the beach a lot lately and I’d like this to be a family tradition. We will find our way back to the ocean when we need a little peace and a little space.

See everyone in this picture - Daddy, Mommy and Indiana?

We will love you our whole lives, William John.