With the recent cases of police brutality and murder it is important for me to educate my children, especially my 14 son about his rights.

I’ve been trying not to let it bother me or allow fear to over take me but it is hard not to feel some kind of way about the police. It is obvious that I’m an African-American woman and my son is the same color as me.

It is clear that he is more of a target than any other ethnicity. It is my job to coach him and ensure that he does not get unlawfully detained or end up in a morgue. The struggle, as they say, is real.

I have been telling him what to do and I think he gets most of it. He, like other kids, brush it off and don’t think it is a big deal. But I make sure that he understands it is a big deal. So I will tell him over and over again how to stay staff.

Having worked for the sheriff’s department I understand the mentality and having dealt with the police I understand the attitudes and preconceived ideas about being black in America.

I came across this info-graphic that really helps me be clear about what my and my kids’ rights are. If you are in doubt about what to do if you or your child is stopped by the police, study this graphic, print it out, go over it with your kids, and above all share it with others.

8 Ways to Keep Police Brutality Out of Your Life

Even though it sound simplistic it is important to teach our black boys (and girls) to:

1. Be Polite

2. Be Respectful

3. Keep hands in plain site

4. Ask to leave often

5. Ask for a cause

6. Ask if requests are orders

7. Record encounter immediately

8. Report any violations of your rights

The more they know the more they will have a chance to get to adulthood and have a normal life.