I often hope that the work we complete now to halt the injustices and oppression within our community allow the youth to live, carefree and harmonious, not worried with the world’s well being. Their smiles fuel me to make sure that their enthusiastic expressions will never falter because of another traumatic sequence of events and news stories. • This is the next generation and I want them to love themselves unconditionally, not be conditioned to assimilate as a defense mechanism to society. I want their eyes to dance and smile, not be burdened with fear and caution. I want the adults in our community to use their life experience, platforms, and voices to cultivate change, so we’re not spending our childhood attempting to speak up on issues that should’ve been handled, addressed, and dismantled. • Let kids be kids. Let them be unapologetic, fearless, bright, and full of life. Let us think of them when we cower at the thought of speaking out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 📸: itst...