This book is dedicated to the truth, to the lives behind the statistics, and to the hope that one day, justice will not depend upon the color of the person.

May we remember.
May we listen.
May we learn.
May we do better.

,

Little John was a shy fellow. Never got into trouble, always looked like a million even though he only had a penny and was a bit of an overthinker. His early days were full of fun and laughter. His parents were loving and kindhearted. But they always told Little John to never ever tell a lie. So, John listened to his parents like any good boy should.

John also loved the holidays, especially Christmas. The feeling of coming out of his room to a tree full of toys and his parents’ loving smiles filled him with such tremendous joy. He even believed in Santa. He always thought he was a strange boy saying that he just loved school when his friends just hated it. He went to a catholic school you see. He remembered the church bells ringing across the street when it was time for mass. Every Friday without fail.

The school kids would be rounded up, put in a few single file lines, and marched to the church. The church was quaint. But to Little John it was a spectacle. The natural light falling through the saint glass windows. The lord and savior splayed on the cross for all to see and worship. He even remembered the smell of burning incense swinging righteously from a large ornate silver ball that would be carried by the priest as he walked down the blood red carpeted isles. But there was one problem.

Little John would get sick. He may have been overwhelmed or overcome. Till this day he still does not know. He also did not take communion. But that is unimportant. The most important part is that John had a friend. A Raven. This raven was short in stature, darker than midnight and was as quick as a whip. He did not have a name, he did not speak and he would show up unexpectedly. Him and the Raven would go on marvelous adventures. He was there when Little John got his first bike and even when he lost his first tooth.

John felt as if he would always be there for what he needed.

There was day that started out like any other. John got up and washed his face, brushed his teeth, ate breakfast, and prepared for school. But to his surprise he was called into the principal’s office when he arrived. John was baffled. He never got into trouble. He walked in nervous and was unsure. Out of the office he heard the principal say, "Send him in". The secretary pointed at John, then at the office door. Walking to the door as slow as he could, legs shaking and heart pounding. He opened it.

The principal looked at John and pointed at the seat in front of the desk. John stepped over and took a seat. The principal said, "John there seems to be a problem." John asked, "What happened?" The principal stared at him sternly, and said, "Did you carve your name into the art room desk?" John exclaimed "no sir of course not!" Then the principal said, "John, don't you lie to me". John said, "I didn't, it wasn't me". Then suddenly, out of the principles window, John saw the raven.

John peeked over his shoulder to take another look at the window and he saw his friend. But this time his beak was wide open. So wide that John thought he could step right into his mouth. To his surprise there was a bright glowing light radiating from it. So bright John thought he was going to go blind if he stared any longer. So, he closed his eyes, walked through the doors, and thanked the raven again as he walked to class