In light of ongoing global discussions about racism and police violence, the stories of Black individuals are becoming increasingly vital. One such voice is Jordan Ellis, an 18-year-old who recently took to TikTok, sharing a poignant video detailing the list of safety rules his mother instilled in him to navigate the world with caution.
Ellis revealed that he had committed these guidelines to memory by the age of 11. “Just some unspoken rules my mom made me memorize as a young Black man #blacklivesmatter,” he captioned his impactful video, which has now garnered over 10 million views.
The extensive list covers various situations, including how to conduct oneself in stores so that cashiers don’t suspect theft, and how to dress and behave while driving to minimize the risk of being stopped by law enforcement. Some of the rules include:
- Keep your hands out of your pockets.
- Avoid wearing a hooded sweatshirt.
- Don’t go shirtless in public.
- Always check in with family or friends, even if you’re just going around the corner.
- Be mindful of your curfew.
- Touch only items you intend to buy.
- Ensure you leave a store with a receipt or bag, even if it’s just for gum.
- Never create the appearance of an altercation.
- Always carry your ID when leaving home.
- Avoid driving in a tank top or with a du-rag.
- Keep your music volume down while driving.
- Don’t stare at white women.
- If stopped by police, respond calmly and avoid confrontation.
- If pulled over, place your hands on the dashboard and ask for permission to retrieve your license and registration.
Reflecting on the tragic deaths that have dominated headlines—such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor—it’s clear why a mother would feel compelled to impose these rules on her son.
In the video’s comments, other Black and Latinx youth echoed similar sentiments, sharing that their parents had given them comparable lists. “My mom told me the same thing,” one user remarked. Another lamented, “We shouldn’t have to live like this.” One viewer even noted, “Saving this video for my future son,” to which Ellis poignantly replied, “His future shouldn’t be like this.”
“I felt it was essential to share my voice during this time,” Ellis explained to a news outlet. “I wanted to shed light on the genuine experiences of Black men and emphasize the need for change. No one should have to navigate life like this.”
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In summary, the experiences shared by Jordan Ellis highlight the realities many Black youths face daily, underscoring the urgent need for societal change.
Keyphrase: Black teen safety rules
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