Aid a Family's Recovery from Racial Violence and Trauma

Walking While Black: A Family’s Nightmare in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Sarasota, FL (SkyeRanch Community)

The morning after Hurricane Milton, our Sarasota neighborhood of SkyeRanch was eerily quiet. Trees that had withstood the storm stood bent, broken branches scattered in the streets. The air was thick with the tension of the hurricane’s aftermath. But for my teenage son, it wasn’t just the storm’s destruction that weighed on his mind; it was a walk through our community that changed his life forever.

My teen son—just walking around OUR neighborhood—was racially profiled, harassed, and followed for over 20 minutes. What should have been a peaceful walk became a nightmare, as he was targeted simply because of the color of his skin. He was treated as though he didn’t belong, stalked by someone who viewed him as a threat, and nearly became a victim of gun violence. The terrifying part? We know how these situations often end, but by the grace of God, my son made it home safely.

The relief of his safe return was quickly overtaken by a deeper, more lasting pain. Our family has been deeply traumatized. My son came so close to becoming another statistic, and the fact that this happened in our own community—the place we call home—makes it even harder to bear. His siblings, who look up to him, are now filled with fear and confusion, their sense of safety shattered. The home that once felt like a sanctuary now feels like a place of danger and uncertainty.

As their mother, I am devastated. I no longer feel peace in our home. Every night is filled with anxiety, and the fear lingers long after the sun rises. The hurricane may have passed, but a new storm has taken its place—the storm of racial violence and the trauma it leaves behind.

We want to thank everyone who has reached out and offered their support. Your kindness means everything to us in this difficult time. Unfortunately, we are now facing another overwhelming challenge: financial hardship. Preparing for Hurricane Milton and other storms has drained our savings, and now we are dealing with legal fees as we seek justice, therapy costs as we work to heal, and the added financial burden of needing to move. We no longer feel safe in this house, and breaking our lease to move somewhere more secure comes with its own expenses.

We can’t stay here. Every time we leave the house, we are reminded of the danger lurking outside. The walls of what was once our home now feel like a prison of fear. Moving is expensive, and we are struggling to cover all the costs—from deposits to moving expenses, to securing a safe environment for my children.

I never thought I’d be in a position to ask for help, but as a mother, I have no choice but to do whatever it takes to protect my children. We are in desperate need of assistance to get us out of this situation. Whatever you are able to give—no matter the amount—will go toward helping us move to a safer home, cover legal fees, and pay for the therapy we need to heal.

We are barely sleeping, our appetites have dwindled, and the stress is taking its toll on all of us. I fear what might happen if we stay here any longer, and I don’t want my family to continue living in this state of fear.

Please, if you’re able, any support you can offer would be deeply appreciated. Your generosity will help us rebuild our lives and regain the sense of safety and peace that was stolen from us. Thank you for your kindness, for reading our story, and for helping us find the strength to move forward.

With love and gratitude,