Criminalization and Community: Reflections on an Encounter in Little Rock

During a quick stop at a gas station in Little Rock, I encountered a wall of photos depicting Black patrons accused of theft, including two young girls labeled with a handwritten note asking, 'Where are your parents?' This moment stirred something deep within me, highlighting the painful reality of racial profiling and the criminalization of Black youth in our communities. It also made me reflect on the complex dynamics between Black communities and immigrant-owned businesses and the urgent need for mutual respect and understanding.