Sybrina Fulton gave a heartfelt lecture at Swarthmore College despite her claim of not being a public speaker and requesting our forgiveness if she ‘keeps it too real’ because that is who she is. She expressed the challenge of being launched in the public eye and how there are many times her spirit doesn’t permit her to take the stage, do an interview, or simply share her story.

She reminded us how difficult the times are that we’re living in and the evil that permeates justice, politics, and humanity.

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Much of her message was directed to the many students in attendance insisting how she believes they will make things better if they ‘look past the darkness that’s going on now.’ She encouraged them to get their degrees and make a difference and not to sit down or be quiet. She recognizes that her generation is set in their ways and don’t have the energy required to make the needed changes. She reminded them of the importance of  voting and knowing the issues on the ballot concerning education, guns, and justice. ‘Vote like your life depends on it, because it does.’

I’m sorry for the conditions of the world when we pass the torch to you!

It’s obvious that Sybrina Fulton is living her best life despite losing a son. She finds time to enjoy life, she has a great sense of humor, and she loves to have fun. She annually has an event for mothers who lost children to violence which serves as a support group that is important to her and the ladies who attend.

Her story isn’t one of sadness but one of hope and encouragement for a better future. Despite her obvious pain, she continues to learn to cope, grow, and strive and her presence last night proved that she’s committed to help others do the same.

I hate frogs, but I’m not going to get a stick to kill it. I just want it to go somewhere else.

Unfortunately, there is a trail of dead black men who are victim to others who don’t have that same reaction.

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