I AM Somebody!
Hello Everyone! My name is Jean Kedler Abelard and I am proud to say I am BLACK. I wanted to do this podcast to share some of my prejudiced stories in the US with the police. Since I moved to the United States, I have been stopped by some white cops where their actions or words were used in a nasty way to intimidate me. They have also said and done things to try and show that they are the authority figures and they hold all the powers. When in possession of a gun, some people have the tendency to use that extra power to either act in self-defense or to intimidate. Obviously, in my situation, it was used against me to intimidate. There was only one black officer who was a gentleman during the short time I was stopped without fault. I can remember even until today when one white cop just started using profanities and shouting the F word at me. If that wasn’t enough, he also kept repeating the fact that that he could take me to jail. This instance happened in Chicago and my only offense was speeding. I honestly believe anything bad could've happened to me that night if I didn’t keep my composure and shouted back at him. Instead, I applied wisdom and I had to keep apologizing. His demeanor and actions throughout were unacceptable and unprofessional, to say the least. Another time, I got pulled over in Lafayette, IN because there was a robbery at a bank and I happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time because I was driving at the same time it occurred and rest assured this cop followed and stopped me because I was black. You are probably asking why would Kedler think a police officer stopped him because he's black right? Well, just a minute later it was in the news that a black male robbed the bank that I just drove by.
But wait there's more! Another occasion, I was driving in Schaumburg, IL, and had just bought a new car. The rims and body paint were just shiny. As I'm driving of course this white cop stopped me. I asked why was I stopped, sir? He wasn't afraid to tell me because you have a nice car and that he wanted to make sure the car was mine. One thing I have learned from all of this instance is that whenever an officer stops you, always put your hands on the wheel and address him or her as sir or madam. And keep in mind that because you are black, you have to apply this extra manner to never ask questions or argue with a cop because you might get arrested and possibly shot. Now let's talk about what happened this morning (June 1st) just days before my birthday. I was on my way to work and obviously, it’s chaotic with the protests due to the killing of George Floyd. This black state patrol was letting a white individual in through the blocked road when he flashes his badge to let him pass thru. I proceed to continue as well as a hospital worker by showing my badge. Then he said, I can't let you in. At this point, I hadn't said anything, and he immediately said next, you better turn around if you don't want to go to jail this early morning. So, I asked why did you let the other person in front of me go? He said he’s one of us. Then his black partner rolled back in his car and I am in the middle of the two and said what's going on. The original officer had the nerve to tell him he's a nobody. I said what? You have to watch what you say sir to other people. Then with full confidence, I told him: "I AM Somebody". I decided to drive back and go to another route. Since I was on the receiving end, I had to quickly reject his statement because he was trying to attack who I AM. I avoided comparing myself to him. When others devalue you or ignore your cry for better treatment, it'll get to a point where the situation will just escalate. This is exactly why black people are fed up when no one hears their voices.
After the incident, I needed a call as I was very upset. It would be a shame to explain to my 5 years old son that daddy had someone mistreated him. Then God makes my son call me right after I got to work, and we talked for a little bit. I was pretending I was OK but I was not. I made the conversation about him to just asking him how's he doing and that I love him at the end of our call. My son brings so much joy to me. I will do anything to protect him from evil in this world and show him to love everyone no matter their skin color, economic background, or ethnicity because we are all the same in God's eyes. If you cut us, we all bleed red. The point of this podcast was to let you guys know racism is very real. I again say to my white friends, you have to advocate for what is right on behalf of all black people if you disagree with all these nonsense killings in America. Black people in this country and around the world have suffered enough from white people thinking they are superior to blacks. This is false and if you ever think like that you are extremely sick. No one will ever accept mistreatment to never wake up one day to rebel against you. Be a part of the solution NOT the problem. Be unique in your message to help write a different narrative of our nation. We do not need more police brutality nor the militia on the streets. It will only cause more problems for both races. Our nation right now needs the white people to just sit down, listen, and be willing to change so that forgiveness, and trust can happen leading us to work together as one. I am hoping that these black cops today might come across my podcast and listen to how they can give a bad reputation to the sheriff and police organizations. And that they'll also come to their senses and start treating others with dignity while serving and protecting every single citizen they come in contact with, it doesn’t matter if they are on or off duty. Always remember this last part, very important. When you put racist people in power, you not only give them a platform, but you also set your organization and your country to destruction. In Haiti we have our emblem: Unity is strength. Talk to you soon my brothers and sisters! Your brother, friend, and mentor. Kedler