For years, America's inner cities have been in the blind spot of our national rear view mirror. We drive down the road fully aware of the violence and poverty that plagues these communities, but we pretend that it is all out of view. That all changed with the killings in Newtown, Connecticut. Up until that point it didn't matter that hundreds of young, black children were being killed - or were suffering the violent death of a family member - on their way to, or home from school. Then the image of white children and their mothers and fathers in tears changed everything. For many of us, it brought it home.
We tend not to identify with the violence and death plaguing the inner cities because many of us have never been to these communities. We look at them when we drive by, or as we quickly drive through, but make no mistake - they remain in the blind spot. Forget about the fact that inner cities are made up predominantly of black families. Think of them simply as "families". Their children have hopes and dreams just like yours. They love life just like your kids and are smart, bright energetic kids. They just live in a world plagued with violence and poverty and these things prevent them from becoming who they are.
It's time to take these communities out of the blind spot and put them on the road ahead. Give them a chance to reach their potential and even change lanes in they want to. After all, just like your kids - they deserve it.
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