Dear Officer,
It has taken me quite some time to articulate the feelings and experiences stemming from our brief interaction back in April 2009. For years, I felt embarrassed and hesitant to share what happened, believing I might have been at fault. However, I’ve since realized that the circumstances were not solely about me; they were a reflection of deeper issues we both understand.
That Fateful Evening
Let me take you back to that fateful evening. I was in my early thirties, Southern Asian, and had a spotless driving record. I had just returned from a delightful fashion show featuring a friend’s lingerie designs. The rain had slicked the roads, creating a dangerous glare from the streetlights as I approached my familiar exit. When I saw the road flares, I instinctively slowed down, thinking they were a warning to proceed with caution, especially at that late hour.
As I neared the exit, I realized it was closed too late to change course. I found myself behind a squad car, watching you take a report from what seemed to be a minor accident. Your demeanor shifted when you approached my vehicle, questioning my presence with a tone that conveyed irritation.
There seems to be a discrepancy in what I communicated to you during that moment. I said, “I didn’t realize the exit was closed,” yet your report asserted that I claimed, “I don’t know.” This misrepresentation was disheartening, especially since I had nothing on my record when you ran my information. A few minutes later, you informed me I would receive a ticket in the mail and instructed me to pass through the two vehicles ahead.
The Aftermath
While I was relieved that you didn’t escalate the situation further, I intended to contest the ticket, hoping for understanding. I believed that we all make mistakes and deserve a second chance. After numerous calls to the county office, I was stunned to receive not just a ticket, but a criminal court summons with three misdemeanor charges: Careless Driving, Failing to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle, and Passing through Two Emergency Vehicles.
I want to remind you of a few key facts before we continue. I approached the scene with caution, yielding as best as I could. When you asked me to pass through the emergency vehicles, it felt like a trap. My record was clean, my actions were not erratic, and our encounter was limited to just a few minutes.
To this day, I ponder the motivation behind those charges, which continue to haunt me. What remains more disturbing is the assumption I draw from that question.
A Turning Point
That summer was a turning point for me. I found myself in court, where I noticed a striking pattern: many individuals present looked like me and were facing similar charges. The conversations surrounding jail time and probation felt surreal. I met a young woman who was about to give birth, being told by the prosecutor about potential jail time for a minor offense.
Fortunately, I was able to afford legal representation, leading to the dismissal of all criminal charges except for a minor infraction. Others may not have the same privilege or knowledge, often feeling powerless to fight back against such accusations.
Igniting Change
I will acknowledge that your actions inadvertently ignited a change within me. I became more aware of the systemic issues affecting marginalized groups. Your attempt to undermine my life only fueled my determination to advocate for those who have faced discrimination. By the end of that summer, I was appointed as a Civil Rights Commissioner, a role I embraced to help those in need. Rather than breaking me, you propelled me toward empowerment.
I wish you had extended the benefit of the doubt that evening. As a person of color, I too am human, deserving of respect. However, I forgive you. This experience allowed me to grow and become the empowered brown woman I am today, and if we cross paths again, I hope to show you how justice can prevail.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I will continue to uplift others who might be facing similar struggles.
Sincerely, Your Unexpected Advocate