Make sure that your paragraph has the FIVE sections: 1. topic sentence, 2. clarification sentence, 3. proof, 4. analysis of proof, 5. therefore-type sentence.

My dear friend,

Hello, my friend, I have been expecting you. Do not be afraid. It is normal to feel frightened and to hide at the beginning, for you are aware that you have been in denial for quite some time. I know how you feel. I have been there. I have felt the confusion when you notice that our "democracy" seems willing to give its life to you only if you are white. The denial and hiding when you avoid the topic so you can still believe in the story you were told when you were little. The guilt and fear when you admit you have been lying to yourself to avoid responsibility. Finally, the feeling of impotence when you open your eyes, for injustice feels overwhelming and invincible, especially when it is first confronted. Know this: We have been there. I want you to know that I love you. And that every small struggle that I have taken part in against injustice has been first, to liberate the victims, and second, to wake you up. You are the fruit of many tears and prayers. So, I am happy to see you now by my side.

As you have seen lately in the news, many people are already doing the antiracist work that you want to do now, not just on paper, but also in the streets. Some of them will have the same religious views, the same ideologies, and world views that you have. Many will not. Some will talk, some will take part in peaceful protests, organize nonviolent resistance events and some will sing "We Shall Overcome." Others will not. Do not use these differences as another excuse to return to your old ways and avoid your responsibility. Join all your sisters and brothers of goodwill in fighting for justice and bring your peace with you.

It may be tempting to point to violence and looting to justify staying inside and not showing support. Do not. There might be people who recur to violence and looting for no reason, but many folks also feel that if they do not write graffiti on a wall, the press will not cover their protests. This is not new. Let us not forget the revered The Party! Whatever their reasons are, you just must follow the Teacher simply and persistently. Be the salt and light that God wants you to be. If you want to see nonviolent resistance, you get out there and make it happen. Pray for the end of violence and its victims. But do it as you fight the injustice that causes it.

Finally, do not be fooled by the idea that because of your past you cannot get involved or that we will be angry at you for joining the party late. As I said, we only get angry at people who do not do their homework. They make people of color not just suffer under injustice, but also carry the extra burden of having to fight it by themselves. So, join us. Let us each do our part. Honor them you live. Make them proud.