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Barry is a kind, laid back, talented young man who attends Wichita Northwest High School. He will be a sophomore next year, and his favorite subject is history. His friends would describe him as funny, and sometimes serious. At school, he is part of the Northwest Principal Advisory Council; a leadership group that focuses on critical issues, and discusses them with the principal throughout the school year. In addition, he is part of the leadership group For The Culture, which focuses on key issues facing black students at Northwest.

Barry is also a talented athlete, He loves playing basketball, is on the school team, and hopes to play D1 basketball in college. After college, Barry wants to one day own his own business.

Here are some more favorites of Barry’s:

• Favorite music: Hip Hop artists J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar
• 3 things he can’t live without: Basketball, music, cell phone
• Fears: Being stung by a bee
• Favorite Book: The Hate You Give, by Angie Thomas
• Favorite TV Show: Martin
• Favorite Snack: Skittles

When I asked Barry’s parents what they tell their son in order to keep him safe in our culture, they replied, “I have always told my son to be respectful to adults. Always say yes sir/ma’am or no sir/ma’am. I tell my son when you are speaking to someone or if someone is speaking to you to always give them eye contact. This lets them know that you are trustworthy. Now that my son is 15 and learning to drive I told him if he ever gets pulled over to get his registration, insurance information and license out right away. To have it in his hand and ready for the officer before they come to the car. NEVER make any sudden movements. Always keep his hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel. If he needs to call me or his dad, never pull out his cell phone in front of the officer to wait until the officer goes back to his vehicle. Never argue with an officer even if you know they are in the wrong. You get your ticket or listen to your lecture. Do whatever they say because the main focus is to get home safely. If you ever feel you have been treated unjustly to let me and your father deal with it. Never argue with them.”

When I asked Barry what he wants his white peers to understand, or how they can help the cause of #BlackLivesMatter, he replied, “Make sure they stay informed and try not judge people who are different than them and that may not have the same experiences that they have had.” I couldn’t agree more, Barry. You have such a bright future ahead!