University of Alabama 1968

CW: Contains themes and/or references to racial discrimination, police brutality, and death

University of Alabama 1968

damien.com

Hi Momma,

Sorry it took me so long to write but I've been really busy learning my way around the campus then getting started at my new part time job. To start off, let me tell you about my room mate. His name is Jeff and he's a white boy but he's okay sharing a room with me. To tell you the truth, he's a bit shy and doesn't seem to have many friends anyway. Then there's my classes. I've only been to three so far and the professors seem eager to make the courses interesting. I can catch a bus to work four nights a week and the bus stop is right outside this dorm so that part is easy. Got to catch some sleep now. It's been a long day.

Love,

Damien

momma.com

Hi Damien,

I'm so relieved to hear from you. You've been on my mind but I guess you would know that. Your room mate sounds nice but be careful. Probably best not to be seen around campus with a white boy. Like I said, keep to yourself and, if anybody questions you, be obedient, polite, and respectful. I'm glad you found work so quickly but I just hope you get enough sleep. Take care of yourself. I'm so proud of you, son.

Love,

Momma

damien.com

Hi Momma,

I know it's been a few days since you've heard from me but I've been really busy with a full load of classes and then work. I love my courses except for this one instructor, Mrs. Proctor, who doesn't like me. She refuses to call on me in class even though I'm always paying attention and usually come up with the answer right away. Still, she ignores me. But I remember what you said and I stay obedient, polite, and respectful. (It makes me smile to say that just the way you put it in your last email.)

Love,

Damien

momma.com

Hi Damien,

It's good to know that you like your classes. I guess there isn't anything you can do about that one professor who ignores you. Just work extra hard. Which I know you already do anyway. I hope you'll be glad to know that you are remembered in our services. Reverend Parker says you are a credit to our community. And, of course, I'm always asking God to watch over you.

Love,

Momma

damien.com

Hi Momma,

Quarterly grades came out and I did well. Mostly As but a B in Mrs. Proctor's class (no surprise). I'm also happy for Jeff, my room mate, who did pretty well too. He has some kind of learning disability but he gets tutoring and then sometimes I help him with his homework.

Things got a little dicey here last week. There were a couple of times when I came back to my dorm room and saw that someone had written all over our door. Once it was the “N” word and another time it was a swastika. I wasn't sure whether to tell the Resident Assistant but Jeff seemed to think it's best not to rock the boat. So I just got soapy paper towels and scrubbed the door clean.

Love,

Damien

momma.com

Hi Damien,

Oh, I hate to hear that you're being targeted. I mean, it's not like you're the only black boy in the dorm, is it? On national TV they say that the universities are “fully integrated” down here. Whatever that means. So now I'm wondering: Does anyone know what is really going on? As always, I remind you to watch your Ps and Qs but now I'm not so sure that's good advice. If integration is a fact, like they say, then why should you have to be so careful? But you're a good boy and I know you'll get along. And, if it helps you to know this, I pray for you every night and ask God to watch over you.

Love,

Momma

damien.com

It's been a while since I wrote and I don't want you to worry but the police picked me up last week. I was just getting out of work and a patrol car drove up. Two officers got out, handcuffed me, and took me to the station. It took forever to straighten things out but, apparently, there'd been a robbery at the convenience store across the street from my restaurant and, well, I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Eventually the clerk told them that it wasn't me, after all. But, still, it worries me that the police just assumed I was guilty because I was a young black man out on the street late at night.

Please don't worry. I only told you because, well, you know I've always been honest with you and, anyway, this was just one of those things, I guess.

Love,

Damien

momma.com

I'm glad you told me, son. I appreciate that and I know you were trying to reassure me when you said this is just one of those things. But what can I say? On the one hand, I'm angry because my son deserves better than being handcuffed by the police when he's done nothing wrong. On the other hand, I'm glad that you remembered to stay obedient and compliant and didn't make any trouble. Because I know that behavior could get you seriously hurt! This is an unjust world we live in, son, but I know you'll find your way.

Love,

Momma

damien.com

Hi Momma,

Lately I've been thinking about home a lot, missing you and Poppa and even my bratty little sister, Miss Adrian Cross. How does she like high school this year? I hope you all are doing well and I look forward to being home for Christmas – if I can get time off from work, that is.

Meanwhile there's exams and the stress that goes with exams. But I'm pretty confident that I'll do well. I'm determined to get through this.

Love,

Damien

momma.com

Hi Damien,

You're probably too busy to realize it but the holidays are coming up in only a few weeks. You know how Poppa goes crazy with Christmas decorations. He's already hung your Christmas stocking on your doorknob like we do every year. I've been checking the bus schedules and prices. Let me know what time you're getting here and we'll be sure to hold a welcoming party right there at the bus terminal.

Love,

Momma

damien.com

Hi Momma,

It's been crazy here. I guess the whole dorm is stressed out about exams and then holidays. And somehow it all seems to fall on me. I mean I am the only black guy in this building. So, I guess, I'll have to get used to the racist graffiti on my door every morning. But don't worry. I follow your advice, keep to myself, stay respectful. I've also discovered that it's best not to look anyone directly in the eye. Like you said, be obedient and compliant. But I have to tell you, that's one rough road to travel.

Love,

Damien

momma.com

Damien, I haven't heard from you for awhile. I'm sure you've been busy with exams but now it's the middle of December and, according to your school calendar, your classes have ended. Now I just hope you got time off from work. Let us know which bus you're catching and we'll all be there to welcome you home.

Love,

Momma

residentassistant.com

Mrs. Cross,

I'm sorry to have to tell you that your son, Damien, has been taken to Birmingham Memorial hospital after suffering injuries during an incident outside this dormitory. By now, I'm sure the hospital has contacted you about his condition. Please accept my sincere regrets.

Ryan Hughes, Resident Assistant

birminghamuniverrsity.com

This administration has been made aware of an incident on campus involving your son. We are looking into this matter and our legal team will soon be in touch with your family.

birminghammemorial.com

Please be advised that we are holding the remains of Damien Cross until the arrival of the next of kin.

The End