Triple Threat

parenting triplets in the Capital District

Are we there yet?

The push for racial justice will continue until there is true equality

Who hasn’t heard can’t believe that we still aren’t ago … yes. Ten? Maybe. Are How many mothers of Black or said, “Are there. we there yet? Unfortunately, sons know they can blow them we there yet?” we are not. kisses in the morning and give Usually when Black Lives Matter is not them hugs before bed? Does this question is bellowed from going to go away until this When Benjamin gets my son’s life matter anymore the back of the minivan there country steps up and dressed in the morning, because he is white? Does my is a small, sticky person with eradicates racism. I don’t have to check 12-year-old need to be afraid little patience who just wants to get out and run. This year has kept kicking The fact that we are still having this very conversation is just by Jennifer what he’s wearing before he races out the door. I’m fairly confident that for his life if a police officer is nearby? Why should any 12-year-old boy be afraid? us over and over while we are down. Are we there yet? I proof that the country is not Steuer he will not have any trouble if he The Black Lives Matter movement was born from the keep hearing this in my head. hearing the cries decides to run down murder of 17-year-old Trayvon The question pops up when I of the men, women the street. If Ben puts Martin of Florida on February least expect it. Even when my and children who face a hoodie on and his jeans 26, 2012. The person who was trio is all buckled up and we discrimination on a daily baare a little baggy, I don’t feel responsible of this murder was have been in the car for a long sis. How is it possible that this like I have to send him back acquitted in July 2013. While time, they don’t say it as much behavior has continued? Yes, to his room for a wardrobe I remember hearing details of as I hear it. When I hear “Are things are better now than 200 change. I love my son, just like Trayvon’s murder, I hate to say we there yet?” it’s because I years ago. Better than 50 years most moms love their sons. Continued on Page 7

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n Triple Threat continued from Page 6 that I was so occupied with having 4-year-old triplets that the information did not sink in. I should have paid more attention as a mother. This young man, like so many other young Black men, did not deserve to die. He was simply walking while Black.

Tamir Rice was 12 years old when he was shot and killed on November 22, 2014. When police were called, it was for “a possible juvenile with most likely a toy gun, who was pointing it at passersby.” When Tamir was asked to stop, he pointed the gun at the police and was shot and killed. The “gun” was confirmed to be a toy. Tamir was playing while Black.

I do not believe for one second that I alone can save the world or make a monumental difference. What I do know is The Black Lives Matter movement is not going to go away until this country steps up and begins to have an honest discussion about racism.

that racism is infectious, and if my family and I can make a small difference for someone then maybe destroying racism will be a possibility. Maybe our efforts will meet the efforts of other people, and we can all keep building on that momen

Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca hear vile words coming from some children and adults. Words hurt and they do damage. The fact that the most powerful guy in our country perpetuates negativity and will whip citizens into frenzy if he feels that he has been slighted in some way is terrifying to me. My kids say he behaves like a 2-yearold. My kids have been afraid for their friends who have darker skin. My kids know that they need to help repair the world (Tikun olam is a large part of Judaism) and that each of them can start another ripple that amplifies as it continues.

As a mother and wife, I feel like I cannot sit back and just hope. Who doesn’t want the best for their family? In my life, family is everything. I believe that all children deserve to live. I believe that husbands and wives should live to be very old together. My child does not deserve to be shot for looking “sketchy” after buying Skittles and an Arizona Watermelon drink. My child does not deserve to be shot by police who are not sure if what is being played with is a real gun. My husband doesn’t deserve to be shot because a counterfeit $20 bill has been passed at a store he had been to.

If people in every community start to understand that Black Lives Matter isn’t just a catchphrase but is the desired reality for 13.4 percent of the United States population, we can live in a better country. We can live.

Are we there yet?

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 12-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.