In a recent incident that has shaken a Tulsa community, a teacher at Kipp Tulsa College Prep facilitated discussions with students from fifth to eighth grade regarding the shooting of a classmate’s father, Marcus Johnson. The discussions were prompted by the tragic events surrounding Johnson’s death; he was a 40-year-old Black man who was shot by a police officer while unarmed and with his hands raised. The officer involved, Jane Smith, has since been charged with first-degree felony manslaughter.
Rebecca Thompson, the teacher leading these discussions, sought to create a safe space where students could express their emotions and thoughts about the incident. In her efforts, she aimed to help others understand the profound impact such events have on children of color, particularly in a climate where movements like “Black Lives Matter” resonate deeply.
Responses from Younger Students
During the discussions, the responses varied significantly among the different age groups. The fifth graders expressed their confusion and sadness, asking poignant questions such as, “Why were they scared of him?” and contemplating how Johnson’s daughter would cope with future father-daughter events. The sixth graders, who are classmates of Johnson’s daughter, sat in stunned silence, grappling with the shock of the event. Thompson, who is white, felt compelled to reassure these children of their worth: “We have different skin colors, but I love you. You matter.” Her heartfelt words visibly moved the students, highlighting the emotional weight they carry in light of such tragedies.
Reactions from Older Students
As the discussions progressed to the seventh and eighth graders, the tone shifted. These older students displayed a hardened emotional response, often expressing anger and frustration over the realities of racial violence. One student even voiced a desire to “punch someone in the nose” in reaction to the injustice they felt. Thompson observed the boys in the group, noting their growth since she first taught them. They are acutely aware of the dangers that young Black men face, drawing parallels to other victims of police violence such as Tamir Rice and David Joseph.
The stark contrast in reactions among the age groups illustrates the painful evolution of understanding that Black children in America experience. What begins as innocent confusion often leads to a sobering realization of societal biases, encapsulated in a student’s remark that Johnson was perceived as a “big bad dude” solely because of his skin color.
Encouraging Action and Empathy
Thompson shared her reflections to encourage others to acknowledge their privilege and take action. She urged those with similar privileges to speak up and advocate for change, emphasizing the importance of empathy for Black and brown children growing up in a world where they witness violence against their community.
For those interested in exploring more about family planning and home insemination, resources such as Kindbody offer valuable insights. Additionally, if you’re considering alternatives for conception, you can find helpful information on Intracervical Insemination and our post about home insemination kits.
Conclusion
In summary, the reactions of students to the shooting of Marcus Johnson reveal the deep emotional scars and societal issues faced by young Black children in America. Their responses serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for understanding, empathy, and action in addressing racial injustice.