Wednesday, September 21, 2016

"Give back the little black boy"

We were in a commercial break during our morning newscast.  It was 6:40 and my co-anchor, John, made a quick trip to the KPLC mail room to pick up the mail of the day.

Sometimes it's an encouraging card from a viewer, a news release about an upcoming event, there are the random letters from inmates, and sometimes it is a "concerned citizen."

You don't know what you are getting until you open it up.

John handed me a piece of mail addressed to "B. Glaser" with no return address.


I knew that was a red flag.

But, I could feel there was a card inside of the envelope, which made me think it could be a kind note.  Who would want to waste a piece of stationary on criticism?

So I opened it...


"Give back the little black boy while you have a chance."



I stopped there, feeling my heart racing and the tears starting to rise to the surface.

I couldn't cry.  I was about to be back on camera to read the next news story.

I handed the letter to John, who read it, and whose face could not hide the disgust I knew must mean every word was hate-filled.

In the next commercial break, I picked up the card again:

Brittany,

Give back the little black boy while you have a chance.

They grow up to be out of control and rapists.  It's a breed you cannot deny.

I work with black teens 2-3 times a week.  They talk about having sex.

Don't let your daughter get raped when he is a teenager.

I'm older, but have seen what happens when blacks get to be of age.

Maybe you are trying to make a point with adoption.  You don't need to do that.  You are already well liked.

A Concerned Citizen.

I'm not racist.


I think I forgot to breathe.

Rapist.

Breed.

My daughter being attacked by my son - all because she's white and he's black?

Making a point with adoption?

And all of this was written inside a patriotic-themed card with the American flag on the front.  The flag that represents liberty and justice for all.



The wheels in my head were spinning.  I kept telling myself, "This is one person.  One person's opinion.  One person's perception.  One person's ignorance."

But the harsh reality is that where there is one, there are more - who claim "I'm not racist," yet identify certain people as a "breed," or intrinsically criminalistic.

I do not have concerns about our son - the person being referred to as "the little black boy" -  morphing into a rapist as he "gets to be of age."

I would be lying to say I don't have concerns, though, about raising a black child in today's society.

All I have to do is read the news of the day to have some of those concerns in my face: two more deadly officer-involved shootings of black men in one week.  Regardless of where you fall on the "were they armed," "were they reaching for weapons," or "what's their rap sheet" spectrum - the fact is my heart aches watching another video of a black man shot to death.

Adding even more pain is the audio recording of an officer who states one victim "looks like a bad dude" based solely on his appearance as he walked to his stalled SUV with his hands in the air.

Our son will be taught by us that there is never, ever, in any circumstance, a reason to resist an officer.  Don't move unless you are told to move.  Do not reach for your license, your insurance card, or step out of the car if you have a question.  Don't adjust your pants if they seem off center.  Submit.  Period.

Will our two white daughters have to worry about taking such a cautious approach?  Probably not.

We recognize our son will encounter obstacles and prejudices that we never experienced.

It's pretty easy to accept and love on an adorable one-year-old, but what about when he's a little older?

Will he be invited to a classmate's birthday party?

Will he be watched more closely on the toy aisle as he tests out the wheels of a race car?

Will he be followed at the store as he tries on a pair of shoes?

Will he be able to ask a girl to the homecoming dance, regardless of the color of her skin?

Will he be accused of "trying to be white" or "not being black enough" because his family dynamics look different than the norm?

Will he know how much it matters to us, his parents, to respect and honor his racial heritage?

We do not need to be color blind.  Color is beautiful.  Differences can be celebrated.

It's okay if the first thing you notice about my son when you see him is the color of his skin.  But it's not okay if the next thing you do is make judgments based on that color.

I promise you that if you take a second to see him for more than his color, you will see his beautiful amber-brown eyes that smile when he smiles.  Then you will notice his dimply cheeks.  And that gap-toothed smile...oh my gosh.

He just started giving fall-into-you-with-all-of-my-weight hugs.  He will blow you a kiss when you say "goodbye."

And his newest word he can sign is "pretty," a word that he does not use discriminately - because we are all made in the image of God.

To the "concerned citizen" who wrote me that card: thank you for reminding me of just how lucky we are to be the parents of "the little black boy." He's a special guy and we know God has big plans for him.

-Britney

88 comments:

  1. Beautifully written Britney! I just have no words to express how truly sad I feel to read such simple minded ignorance within that card! The tears in my eyes, the lump in my throat, the ache in my heart, and the sick in my stomach tell it best. God Bless you, your husband, your babies! Continue to speak God's word over each of them. He does have great plans for them!

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  2. What people don't seem to understand God made all of us regardless of who we are or the color of our skin, yes if people want to get technical white is also a color. I admire you Britney and your husband. It's all in how we raise them. God bless you and your beautiful little family.

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    1. Actually whitell is devoid of all color. While black is a mixture of all color combined. Is white people should be so lucky to have darker skin cause than wet would have some color. I for one have to burn to do that. Keep up the good work Britney

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    2. Just one correction: on the visible spectrum white is in fact the presence of all color while black is the absence. That is in no way meant to be a statement about race or ones value based on skin color, just a scientific correction to your statement on the color spectrum.

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    3. You are a beautiful person and any child of any race would be lucky to have you as a mommy! It's so sad that in 2016 we are still having to deal with the stupidity of these simple minded issues. I'm also happy that you recognize what we as black ppl have to deal with on a daily basis and are prepared to help him deal with it. Thank you so much for giving this child a loving home and family. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family

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  3. God Bless you and your family! All we can do is pray that GOD have mercy on people who thinks and acts like this. We have to trust and believe that God is in the midst of all of the chaos that's going on around us. I type with tears because daily, in the news, it's evil. I shall not lose faith!!! I will trust in the LORD!!!! Thank you for sharing this!!! Many many Blessings to you and your family!!!

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  4. Ohhhh my word.... This has sadden me. My heart heavy as I hold back the tears. For a second I thought that I would stop breathing. I thank God and you Brittany for not seeing that Baby boy by the color of his skin,but for the precious gift that he his. No matter what life throws at you and your family keep faith and remember God brought him to you. I could not imagine someone referring to one of my boys that way. I heart breaks from this cruel world we live in. I ask God to shield and protect my babies as they walk out the door for school and we should not have to be afraid for them. I'm sorry that your family has experienced this.

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  5. Ohhhh my word.... This has sadden me. My heart heavy as I hold back the tears. For a second I thought that I would stop breathing. I thank God and you Brittany for not seeing that Baby boy by the color of his skin,but for the precious gift that he his. No matter what life throws at you and your family keep faith and remember God brought him to you. I could not imagine someone referring to one of my boys that way. I heart breaks from this cruel world we live in. I ask God to shield and protect my babies as they walk out the door for school and we should not have to be afraid for them. I'm sorry that your family has experienced this.

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  6. The voice you hear on the video of the Tulsa shooting is the husband of the female officer on the ground who was dealing directly with the man who got shot.

    She'd called for backup because he was acting erratically and was non-compliant. There's a much bigger video out there which captures him saying, "Okay, Betty Jean, where are you at" as he's arriving on scene and the helicopter is being manuevered.

    Just as your heart aches for anyone going through what the deceased's family is going for, the pilot you hear on the air is having that same sort of moment as he's watching his wife in real time deal with somebody's who's much larger than she is and who's totally non-compliant on a call that was originally reported because of the deceased's erratice behaviour, driving his vehicle into the opposing lane and stepping out. The female officer has been trained in drug recognition and is considered an expert at it. She radio'd in that it appeared as though he was on something.

    The "Bad Dude" comment comes from the knowledge that he turned his back on somebody with a gun and walked away, totally non-compliant. As a law enforcement officer, he clearly knows that's not the norm and not the behaviour of somebody who values his own life. You're projecting that the comment was made because of skin color....Skin color may have in fact been a factor in that description, but you're ignoring that the guy in the helicopter has seen exponentially more police / citizen confrtonations than you have and he's trained to look for things that you'll never notice.

    If it were a shoot first scenario,he'd have been dead before the helicopter arrived on scene.

    Also, the video clearly shows the deceased at his open window with his hands down at the point he was shot..

    He was non-compliant, appeared to be behaving in a manner consistent with drug use..and PCP was found at the scene.

    Push the racial narrative if you must, but Tulsa has absolutely nothing to do with the rationale behind the card you received.

    Sorry that happened, no parent likes to hear or read anybody being critical of their children, but I think it's clear you've overreacted to Tulsa.

    You're spot-on about the card, though....

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    1. Ppl like u r what's wrong with this world. And bc of specific hate and justification only for someone who looks like u, u will never truly b blessed! U r an idiot to say what u said bc anyone who can justify what she did after seeing the video has no heart! Just b blatantly honest and say it to our faces, "u hate black ppl!" Bc there's no logical explanation to justify what that officer did to terrance. U can keep resighting thos ignorant words u wrote but it won't make what u r saying right nor will it make it acceptable! May God have mercy on ur soul and ppl like u bc u r not suited to love anyone but white ppl! Besides what does any of what u said have to do with this article? Nothing. U wanted to spew ur hate here in hopes others would agree but the devil is a liar! I hope u never encounter any injustice as the ones we blacks face day in and day out, bc u probably couldnt take it! Ppl like u never cease to amaze me! Ill b praying for u!

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    2. Out of everything she said, this is what you decided to type a long essay about. Shame on you!

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    3. It is a proven fact that white people get apprehended everyday and are able to face a jury to justify their actions. The same cannot be said for black people, it's shoot and kill first! It's sad that others can't see that...

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    4. I notice you do not mention the part where he's tasered. Did you forget that he was tasered first, then shot? Everything you stated becomes invalid bc you left out that critical piece where he was tasted and on the ground, then shot. The truth is, her finger was on the trigger when it shouldn't have been bc he was unarmed. She likely got spooked with the tasered and fired her gun, but good try with your scenerio that no one believes.
      Sameka- I'll be praying with you for that person. Not all of us white people are that ignorant. We are waking up to racial injustices and many of us are standing up for it and not tolerating it anymore. I stand with you and you too Britney.

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    5. Correction: His window was not down it was up cause his blood was splattered on it. Did you see that on the video, cause I did. You turned a beautiful story into your own justification for another innocent life being taken for unknown reasons. I also don't understand why you posted Anonymously if you truly believe the words you typed?

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    6. Well said Sameka your response was very eloquently put. To Mr.Anonymous-You and whoever else shares in your justification and agreement of the injustice taking place against ALL PEOPLE Of COLOR - then I won't waste another precious breath of air arguing with ignorance. God Help America!

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    7. I gave my beautiful chocolate baby up for adoption 3 years ago. I wanted to do what was best for her without living off of tax payers money. I chose a beautiful Caucasian family whose love and sincerity was so overwhelming and beautiful. They are a young couple who tried many times to have a family but for various reasons couldn't.
      I didn't say "I was don't choose you because I think your husband is a pedophile and will eventually impregnante my daughter because we learned the white man is a sick BREED that only knows how to bully and violently take whatever and whoever they see fit." I didn't cite all the statistics and concensus that shows how much white collar crime the white man gets away with....
      why not ? Because I don't think that way. My black mother taught me that loves see no color. She taught me not to judge a book by its cover. Stop trying to justify your racism and character flaws by analyzing the situation. Just admit that you are intimidated by Black people and really don't like them yourself.

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  7. I have words. None of them family-friendly. Brittney, I'm sorry you received such hate-filled trash from well, hate-filled trash. I wish to God this "concerned citizen" would have had the guts to sign its name to this. I refuse to respond anonymously. I WANT that person/thing to know my feelings about this garbage. You and your husband have stepped into a hug2and great role. We've got your back.

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  8. Well said Brittney with tears in my eyes. This is sad that there is such hatred not only in this community but in the world. Seems like the only times blacks are good for anything with politicians need their vote. Ignorance is something that can never be answered or justified.

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  9. I first want to thank you for sharing this. I have seen this attitude way too much and so sad for that. God choose you and yours to be a complete family where there is no color. May God Bless your family and I pray by the time that your son and daughter are teens...there will be no colors. But you know whom I pray for the most is the person who wrote this note and everyone that thinks that way. May God be with all of you, love and prayers.

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  10. I guess since this person sees people of color a few times a week, she has some sort of deep insight in to what they become. This ideas that all black men are rapists, and that human beings can have breeds harken back to a time when the very same arguments were given by the Ku Klux Klan, among other white supremacists.
    What this crazy person thinks ultimately does not matter. Small minds think small thoughts. Thank you for shining a light on the kind of belligerence that seems so prevalent in the south. We are all one race, the human race, and should treat each other with love and kindness.

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  11. Dear Britney, I saw the title of this,and quickly opened it to see what happened. I wish every day that Patrick and I could have been blessed with a child of our own. Sadly that never will happen. I wish we could financially afford to adopt,but honestly we can't. I thank God every day that there are folks like you and your husband, that are willing to adopt a child, no matter what their skin color is. I am honored to have gotten to know you, not just professional, but personally. You and your husband are amazing. I love what's in your heart. I love what you believe in. God bless you and your family. Always praying for folks who think negatively like that, & praying others learn to Not to judge others by the outside of a persons looks. Hugs my friend, Lori Coleman

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  12. Brittany ignorance have no face or color because we all bleed red and we all return to dust once buried ...Don't let the stupidity of one person ever cloud your judgment of what God ordered your path in life way before you were ever born...God Bless you and your family

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  13. Bless you and your husband Brittney for not only being a genuine sweet sole, but also an advocate that stands up and speaks on behalf of all these children looking for a loving family. How dare someone speak such negativity upon a child before he even has a running start at life. God makes everyone in his own image and yes, he is using you as an example of pure love and humilty for mankind. You continue to hold your head high and do just what God has called you to do and not waver in the opions of others. We know you will raise your children to be loving, kind, pure, and to see no color. It is just so sad to see people label and steroetype a small child before he/she has a chance to prove who they really are. Lord i pray no weapon form against your children prosper and when the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise up a standard!Bless you and your beautiful family Brittney!

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  14. Brittany I commend you and your husband for choosing to adopt a child of a different race. I won't be easy but you have chosen to give him a loving home and family. This will make all the difference as to what kind of man he will grow up to be. No matter what people say you are giving him the foundation he will need when he goes out in the world and is confronted with people who will judge him based on the color of his skin. A good majority of the young men that we have seen in recent events who were involved in fatal shootings do not appear to have had that strong foundation that teaches children to respect authority and have compassion for others. It truly is not a "race thing". Children learn what they observe and what they are taught no matter what color they are. Your child will no doubt grow to be a fine young man who loves the Lord and others. Hold on to that and don't listen to those who will tell you that your child is destined to be trouble for your family. May God bless you and your family!

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  15. My heart is broken for you. The hurt you feel is unimaginable. But, I also want you to know....HOW BRAVE TO SHARE THIS WITH US! I look forward to your blog updates. They are enlightening, heart felt, and the raw openness that you share is inspiring. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your family's lives with us. Thank you for bringing us the stories of children who are looking for a forever home. Thank you for just being you..God bless your little family. Your son will be fine. He has you!!!!! Much love to you and yours. Sincerely, Susan Blount

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  16. Im sorry you had to be exposed to such ignorance and hated. Such a cowardly expression of bigotry. However, in spite of what was meant for evil, use it as motivation to spread more love. Thank you for using your platform to combat this plague on our nation.

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  17. I'm crying an ugly cry in my hallway of all places while my 3.5 year old daughter naps and my rambunctious 2 year old son is running over my toes with his toy planes... Thank you. Thank you for your honesty, for sharing the love of christ... being the light in those dark corners of our community. Thank you for being strong when the rest of us are barely holding on to the reality of what our world is coming to. You are beautiful and I'm proud that our Lord has chosen you to have this platform to share his love and his good news!! Thank you for showing us the way!!!!

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  18. Love is love. Is that not the new theme of the age? Love your boy, love your girls, and you will receive love back. Simple. The world does not matter. Opinions do not matter. Hearts matter.

    Bless your family,
    Shelia

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  19. Britney,

    My heart hurts for you so terribly; that you're on the receiving end of such bigotry and that you're coping with the complexities of transracial adoption in the public eye.

    As a former news reporter and mother to two beautiful black children, I stand with you. I support you. And I pray your openness will plant seeds of hope and make a difference.

    My prayers are with you, friend.

    xo
    Shelley
    www.ShelleySkuster.com

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  21. You go girl! I live in a small community ( I'm sure u know what that means) I do not accept my children to judge anyone by color or race. Yes there are bad people in this world but my opinion that has nothing to do with skin color. You have a son that you will love and teach him reaspect that's all that matters.

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  22. This is heartbreaking. Years ago our family took a teenage black boy from Boys Village on an outing to play putt putt and to eat pizza. We were shocked when an individual felt it was "necessary" to tell us how wrong it was for whites and blacks to mix. I felt so bad for that young boy. A fun outing had been tainted by the hateful remarks from someone who felt it was their "duty" to tell us how wrong we were. It's really sad to see that there are still people out there that feel this way.
    I applaud you and your husband. It's families like yours that will help change our society for the better. Even though this was a hateful note to send to you, I just have to believe that people who feel that way are a small minority. At least, I pray that's the case.

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  23. I am so beyond touched. Even the most well meaning "progressive" here will fall on color blindness as a solution for racism. And so often white parents fail to acknowledge how racism will affect their children of color. Thank you for speaking out on this.

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  24. So sad... This is horrible... You are a hero to adopt. I applaud you and pray that God bless you and your family... Ppl like this disgust me and I know she/he is old, ignorant and to stubborn to change ... So where is the transformation? Wisdom? Respect? Compassion? Godliness? SMH is all I can do...

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  25. " I am not racist".... Should have added... 'But i have every black male pegged as a rapist and i keep them all in this one box.'

    DEAR CONCERNED CITIZEN,

    YOU ARE THE PROBLEM IN THIS SITUATION... THE ONLY PROBLEM.


    I am one of the BILLIONS of Citizens, who are sick of seeing candy assed white folk( I am white and don't you look at me like that) who are scared to get to know someone because of the color of their skin, make judgment calls that generalize an entire race,

    THE FAT KID.

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  26. My dear, my dear. I am so sorry you have to do that. It breaks my heart. Unfortunately/fortunately, It also steels you for the onslaught that will come. The slights your son will receive. You now know what you have to guard him against... and guard him you will. I have trust in this. Sleep well and continue loving your son knowing you are right and that person (pretending to be an American and Not a racist) is wrong.

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    1. do that = deal with that. (I type poorly when emotional)

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  27. You and your family are making a difference, a positive difference, in not only the outlook of your own family and friends but of your community. Please don't let this ONE person change who you are/what you believe...people like you can and do make a difference.

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  28. Brittney, I am a parent of a white 18 year old son. I have many concerns. He has a mixed crowd of friends he hangs qith. I tell them all, if you are pulled over do exactly what the police say. Never have I ince told my son that he is not to go with any particular race and I won't! I pray a hedge of protection over them all! I will lift your family up in prayer. Your sin will be just fine. God bless!!

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  30. Britney
    I don't know if you have time to read all these, but thank you for sharing and being bold. Thank you for sharing your love with your son and supporting him no matter what. You voiced some issues that Tony and I worry about. They keep me up at night sometimes with the things going on in the world today. I hope though with people like your family, our church, and God that things will get better and that our son will be ok in the future. Thank You
    The Smart Family

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  31. Beautifully written Britney. As each of your children are guided by your loving heart, I pray they mirror the compassion, grace, and love you display every time I run into you. As a Mother of three young African American men, I must say that unfortunately the answer to some of those rhetorical questions you pose is yes, yes those are all valid concerns. As an honest observant journalist, you already know this. Not only will your son face challenges because of bigotry, but your entire family will as well. You have been blessed by God with your family and we know HE never makes mistakes. To the person who chose to send an anonymous letter full of stereotypes, we will pray your eyes are opened and that you give yourself a chance to shake off those misconceptions and get out and actually interact with people from different backgrounds because you are the one missing out on the beauty of life and what it truely means to be free.

    R. Lawrence
    (Human being)

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  32. Beautifully written Britney. As each of your children are guided by your loving heart, I pray they mirror the compassion, grace, and love you display every time I run into you. As a Mother of three young African American men, I must say that unfortunately the answer to some of those rhetorical questions you pose is yes, yes those are all valid concerns. As an honest observant journalist, you already know this. Not only will your son face challenges because of bigotry, but your entire family will as well. You have been blessed by God with your family and we know HE never makes mistakes. To the person who chose to send an anonymous letter full of stereotypes, we will pray your eyes are opened and that you give yourself a chance to shake off those misconceptions and get out and actually interact with people from different backgrounds because you are the one missing out on the beauty of life and what it truely means to be free.

    R. Lawrence
    (Human being)

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    1. Love it!! Life is beautiful! Thank you!

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  33. Your beautiful family should be celebrated and duplicated more in this world. People are testing their DNA, and getting the surprise of their lives. We should ALL be so lucky to have had courageous parents as you and your husband. Not for having a son of a different color, but to have 3 children under 3 years old. God has blessed you, and there are many of us that cheers your praises for ALL the GREAT WORK you do! Sincerely, Sharon Pellerin
    Grandmother of Beautiful Children of Many Colors! ��

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  34. Your beautiful family should be celebrated and duplicated more in this world. People are testing their DNA, and getting the surprise of their lives. We should ALL be so lucky to have had courageous parents as you and your husband. Not for having a son of a different color, but to have 3 children under 3 years old. God has blessed you, and there are many of us that cheers your praises for ALL the GREAT WORK you do! Sincerely, Sharon Pellerin
    Grandmother of Beautiful Children of Many Colors! ��

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  36. Britney, I want to send billions of tons of love and prayers to your family and to Thank you for standing up for your babies!! We as Mothers help to mold our children, and I pray that one day all this racism is extinguished! We don't need it anymore, we've had enough!! We are all mixed up, as my children say, we are all God's children and even though some of us can be ignorant, others can take situations like this and make it beautiful, and I feel you did just that!! I have 3 beautiful black/white sons and Im raising them to not see anyone's color, ever, only their heart!! That's what's wrong with our world, folks wanna look at your color first and assume some things! When we need to look at each other as brothers and sisters in Christ!! I will pray for your family and for this alleged concerned citizen!!

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  37. It hurts my heart that someone would send you something so hateful.

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  38. Britney, I want to send billions of tons of love and prayers to your family and to Thank you for standing up for your babies!! We as Mothers help to mold our children, and I pray that one day all this racism is extinguished! We don't need it anymore, we've had enough!! We are all mixed up, as my children say, we are all God's children and even though some of us can be ignorant, others can take situations like this and make it beautiful, and I feel you did just that!! I have 3 beautiful black/white sons and Im raising them to not see anyone's color, ever, only their heart!! That's what's wrong with our world, folks wanna look at your color first and assume some things! When we need to look at each other as brothers and sisters in Christ!! I will pray for your family and for this alleged concerned citizen!!

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  39. Britney, I read the hateful, racist filled, purely vile letter that was sent to you and with every ugly word, I grew more angry and sad. Angry that this person would seek to hurt you & your family. Sad that this person must go to such lengths for attention, albeit negative. I'm also sad that this person "works with black teens 2-3 times a week". I'm sad for the teens and hope they thrive in spite of evil such as this. As a mother, spewed hatred hurts on so many levels. The color of your son's skin doesn't matter. Skin color doesn't design one's future and, obviously, you & your husband know this. The fact that you & your husband listened to God's plan chose this baby to love is so beautiful and that outshines hatred any day. Your response to this "Concerned Citizen" was so dignified and so perfect. I hope it puts this coward in their place. I cannot wait to see pictures of your son as I'm sure he's a handsome little man and I know he and his sisters will truly be loved. Sign me: Just a mom named Steph from Sulphur

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  40. God is amazing as He truly shows Himself through people like you Brittany. My heart aches for those who do not chose to learn of His unconditional love for us all. Your response is what I call Making America Great!

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  41. Dear Britney, thank you so much for allowing us into what could have been kept completely private. I have no idea why any well meaning person would write you something so ugly. I would however, ad a mother of black sons like to inform you that it is both, a joy and sorrow raising black sons in this world. My sons, both wonderful young men, are kind, sweet, smart and loving. The sad thing is, so many rush to judge them upon merely looking at them, that all that wonderfulness gets lost in the mire. They have never been arrested, never robbed anyone or stolen anything. They arent rapist or over sexed deviants. They are respectable to all, and self respectable. They are college grads, both branishing Masters Degrees, and work to earn an honest living. See, its a lie. All of our children arent what this person presents. I say all that about them, to inform you from one mother of black sons, to another, that you are some phenomenal woman, some super mom, and I thank you for accepting this beautiful black son as your very own. May God richly bless your house.

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    1. I enjoyed reading your story and would like to tell you Thanks and God bless you for raising 2 exceptional young men.

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    2. I enjoyed reading your story and would like to tell you Thanks and God bless you for raising 2 exceptional young men.

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  42. Ms. Glaser, For years I've looked upon you as the attractive morning lady on the news. Clearly you are much more. Thanks to you and your husband for giving a child who needed one a home and a family. I see so many misguided and broken people in my daily work. Many of them come from not having a decent childhood. Giving your son a chance is the best thing that could happen to him. The vile, anonymous (I have no idea how to sign into this but I am signing my comment), person who looks at an innocent little boy and sees something else has a vision problem that I hope can be cured one day. I wish you nothing but the best. If I can ever help, please inform me. -- Andrew M. Casanave, Supervising Attorney, Calcasieu-Cameron Public Defender's Office

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  43. God bless you Britney and your family. God will guide you and your husband to give you the knowledge and wisdom to deal with situations to come. You continue to be the woman you are today. We love you and appreciate your genuine heart. God bless you

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  44. God speaks through you. Don't be completely weirded out if I see you and give you a very tight hug. As a social worker for DCFS, a Christian, a mother of soon to be 6 bi-racial and black children and the wife of an amazing black man, this all runs so deep in my veins. My heart leaps at the sight of your beautiful family! I love your journey, your shares, your realness!
    God bless you all! So much love to you.......
    Heidi Allison

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  45. God bless you Britney and your family. God will guide you and your husband to give you the knowledge and wisdom to deal with situations to come. You continue to be the woman you are today. We love you and appreciate your genuine heart. God bless you

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  46. Britney, my wife and I are good friends with your aunt Shirley. She is family to us as are her kids. I was the one who drove them to the hospital when David was born when we were stationed in Germany. I have the same concerns as you do. We have bi-racial nephews who we adore. We need a better world for all the children to grow up in... When does the hate stop?...,

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  47. I hope you don't mind, I shared your blog with Hillary Clinton.

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  48. Lisa Gentry lisa70634@yahoo.comSeptember 22, 2016 at 6:02 AM

    Britney, know that you will raise a wonderful child. It may not always be easy and yes be will encounter prejudices but if you raise him right he will be able to deal with it. My three beautiful children are 2 boys and 1 girl. My boys are 16 and 23. My girl is 26. My son married a beautiful black girl and my daughter married a handsome white boy. (I was married to their father--a black vietnam marine -- for over 25 years until I lost him to cancer in 2014.) I have experienced first hand life in both worlds since I am white and my children are mixed-- but I wouldn't trade them for anything. It wasn't always easy but if you raise him right, he will be like mine--never once in trouble with the law and respectful of it. It can be done even in a world that sees everything and everyone as a color and not just the person. Good luck Britney.
    Lisa Gentry

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  49. Britney, well said. I can hear and feel the love your family has for one another. Your little man is so Blessed to have found you, as much as you are to have found him. All we can do is pray for such ignorance. God created each of us equally, HE sees no color, just as you stressed you do also. May God continue to Bless you and your beautiful family!!!

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  50. Thanks so much for sharing, Britney. Sadly, you're very right that there are plenty others who share those same views, & it's why we're seeing so many senseless tragedies happening each week across our nation. This is so unbelievably heartbreaking to read...as a mother, as someone who has also worked with at risk youth for many years, as an American, & especially as a spirit-filled Christian! Love conquers all, my friend...please pray for her & others like her. It's the only way we can hope to truly change hearts & minds.

    May God richly bless you and your precious family!

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  51. I'm a white adoptive mom of a Black boy as well. Thank you for sharing.

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  52. Thank you for sharing Britney! Please don't ever stop being YOU! It is so sad that we live in a society that still have these views and beliefs in 2016. Your little boy is a beautiful child of God. Children learn what they are taught. God Bless you and your beautiful family!

    **Side note***
    You know the ole saying "If you aint' got nothing nice to say then don't say it!!" Her mama obviously didn't teach her this!! ;)

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  53. Geralyn Mott (DownEastCajun)September 22, 2016 at 1:41 PM

    Britney - I salute you and your husband, and your daughters. I left the south many years ago (I was raised in Sulphur) because i just didn't fit in ... and one of the reasons was the way i viewed people not like myself. While raised in a closed society that viewed "different" as "dangerous", i never felt that way. There's some of that up here where i live now (Maine), but not as much. Thank you for putting into words so eloquently what these racist thugs (and some are members of my own family, fortunately, still down south) need to hear.
    Keep up the good work.

    DownEastCajun

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  54. Britney,
    Thank you for sharing this. I am hurt, disgusted, and in shock. As a new mom to a son, I can't begin to understand how a person can even look at a person in this manner. This "concerned citizen" is deeply disturbed, to put all people into 1 category/breed (working with them 2-3 times a week��). I appreciate your words and the fact that you and your husband have opened your home to your son.

    Much love and respect, God bless!!!

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  55. I read this with tears in my eyes. Your words were so truthful and inspiring. You are a beautiful and gracious person. I'm proud you represent our community and our Lord so graciously.

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  56. Britney, I also am sorry you had to recieve a racist letter under the guise of "wanting for you and your Family what the writer thought was best for yo"! Its sad when I see so many that responded as the letter writer, choosing be anonymous also,well thats neither here nor there as they must know if they will suffer repercussions or maybe its something else. I choose to let my opinion be known! 1st of all I'm sure at some point it was the child that you and your husband fell in love with and at some point it occured to y'all that he is black and that he'll always be bl

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  57. Regardless of the color of the skin on our children the love you give him he will never forget we adopted 5 then the lord bless my wonb with my own it's takes a awesome woman to do what you doing kept doing it tbrough God he will provide be bless

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  58. I applaud you for your bravery, For letting your extended SWLA Family know about this broken person who wasted energy writing this note.. I Thank God for You and your husbands obedience, to open up your Christian home to this amazing little boy. STAY EMPOWERED!!!! God Bless Your Family....

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  59. Britney, I have admired your work and most certainly your positive contributions to the community. The love you have for others shines through all that you do. I remember when you missed eating your lunch to get food for a family and then went the extra mile to find shelter for them. Your segments on kids looking for families have certainly been uplifting and inspiring! When you announced your pregnancy for Lila Rose, I nearly burst into tears of joy. Then after her birth, you, Matt and KPLC news personalities were shown at the hospital. Later, when you announced that your family was going to increase by two and you gave details, I thought my heart was going to explode. I also thanked God for someone like you and your husband. If there existed more people who were colorblind, perhaps we would have better harmony. I have never had any children, but I have taken care of many, from infants to teenagers. In my earlier years as a young teacher, I watched five to six elementary kids at my apartment until a parent returned home from work. A few of these kids were at risk and it didn't matter to me the races of the kids because it was not important. I am older and retired, but young children and teenagers still run up to me and hug me. My key to happiness is LOVE!
    When I read the note you received, I cried after the first few sentences and had to regroup my emotions to read it to the end. The words breed and rapist hurt me the most. I asked my sister if the person who wrote that were to meet our precious five year old great-great nephew, is this how he would be viewed? I feel sorry for a person who has such a poisonous view of anyone and especially of a baby who is deserving of love and will receive that love from someone who is capable of providing it.
    May God continue to bless you and your darling growing family. Please know that you are loved and have the support of many.

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  60. I have raised black childre, biracial children and white children in the same home. I have seen and heard and been the subject of racial comments directed at my children. I have defended myself from those comments and other stuff like cards that say basically the same thing. I have stood in line with my children at a local super.market and turned to see people tell their kids don't touch her/him they are black. I have had older people come up to me and actually say .. Could you not find a white man? And it is a shame to bring them into this world!
    People think they can say just anything to you or about you because your children, Are not all pale skinned with blue eyes and blonde hair!!! But the truth of the matter is, one of the younger children did not even realize there was a difference in the color of our skins until she went to school and one of the other kids said "I can't play with you because you are black!" She came home devastated not understanding why it mattered! I told her the first story about her race and why people can be ignorant and intolerant to people of color! She faced many giants in her life because of her color and I held her as she cried and told her she could change the world with her beautiful smile!
    Life is cruel and yes just because of your skin color people will look at you different! Which is not fair!! But the ignorance of people needs to first be taught at home and then children must make their own way and rise above it!
    I taught my children to love and that there are people out there who can not tolerate differences! But that does not give anyone the excuse use hate for any reason!!
    Racism has been around for thousands of years it is not going to change tomorrow unless we ALL teach our children to love one another not just those like us!!!!!

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  61. I have raised black childre, biracial children and white children in the same home. I have seen and heard and been the subject of racial comments directed at my children. I have defended myself from those comments and other stuff like cards that say basically the same thing. I have stood in line with my children at a local super.market and turned to see people tell their kids don't touch her/him they are black. I have had older people come up to me and actually say .. Could you not find a white man? And it is a shame to bring them into this world!
    People think they can say just anything to you or about you because your children, Are not all pale skinned with blue eyes and blonde hair!!! But the truth of the matter is, one of the younger children did not even realize there was a difference in the color of our skins until she went to school and one of the other kids said "I can't play with you because you are black!" She came home devastated not understanding why it mattered! I told her the first story about her race and why people can be ignorant and intolerant to people of color! She faced many giants in her life because of her color and I held her as she cried and told her she could change the world with her beautiful smile!
    Life is cruel and yes just because of your skin color people will look at you different! Which is not fair!! But the ignorance of people needs to first be taught at home and then children must make their own way and rise above it!
    I taught my children to love and that there are people out there who can not tolerate differences! But that does not give anyone the excuse use hate for any reason!!
    Racism has been around for thousands of years it is not going to change tomorrow unless we ALL teach our children to love one another not just those like us!!!!!

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  62. Brittany, I am you. I am the mother of a white child and the mother of a black child. There are no words that will make this better. Only validation that I feel your pain, your hope, and I send you love and prayers. We will make this a better nation for our children.

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  63. Beautifully written Britney. We're lucky to have people like you in our society. It's discouraging how much ignorance and hate is out there.

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  64. It breaks my heart that someone can look at a baby and already see a rapist, for no reason except the color of his skin. I truly thought I lived in an area where racial prejudice was largely a thing of the past, until I became the foster mother of a biracial child. I was shocked at some of the comments I got, and I couldn't believe people would prejudge a child.

    Ignore the hate in the letter, but the lesson is that it's just a taste of the racism your son may face as he grows up. I agree with the comment above-- we don't need to be color blind, we need to accept and celebrate all colors!

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  65. Britney I work for the NBC affiliate in Shreveport and all I can say is thank you. Finally, someone who "gets" it. We are dealing with an uphill battle and it's nice to know people outside of my ethic group are willing to stand up against the injustice. Again, thank you.

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  66. Amen Brittany.....keep up the amazing job of mothering!!!! God's Blessings come in ALL shapes, sizes and yes.....color!!!! ;-)

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  67. Your story brought tears to my eyes. How can people be so cruel. Ill never understand it. You are a wonderful person Brittany. Theres nothing like a feeling when they do that" fall in to you hugs and kisses", and the trust in their eyes.

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  68. Your story brought tears to my eyes. How can people be so cruel. Ill never understand it. You are a wonderful person Brittany. Theres nothing like a feeling when they do that" fall in to you hugs and kisses", and the trust in their eyes.

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  69. Britney, As the White mom of a beautiful Black boy that we adopted at 3 weeks old, from Detroit, I want you to know that you are not alone. My heart is breaking for you because I know that while you white knuckled it through that broadcast, when you got home that night, you probably sobbed heart wrenching tears over such a heartless, cruel, thoughtless thing that horrible person wrote. As my son looks more and more like a man every day, I live in terror that people like the one who sent you that card, will encounter my kind-hearted, honest, wonderful son and say or do something that will kill the light in his eyes. How sad that one person's hate can rain such devastation on us. Take heart that the person identified themselves as "older". With luck, they will leave this planet before they do too much more damage, taking their ignorance and hate with them. I believe there is a special place in hell for people like that. I just tell myself that Karma will get them eventually. In the meantime, you are doing an amazing job and remember the most important thing, and what means the most to your son, is what you think of him, not other people. I also believe that the majority of White people don't feel that way deep down. They may be passively racist because they don't know anything else. But your son and mine, and thousands of other amazing Black boys, will grow up to prove them all wrong and show them what a gift our children are.

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  70. Britney जैसी दिखने को युवक ने कराई सर्जरी
    read more todaynews18.com http://bit.ly/2laOEJp

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