A thought on Love:

A thought on Justice:

We were 20 minutes away from my college home in Spokane, WA when I was pulled over. My friend Avery and I were making the five hour trip back over the mountains from Seattle. I had no idea why I was being pulled over. I had been driving 5 miles above the speed limit, the same as many other cars around me. The state trooper walked up to my window and asked for my driver’s license, telling me that he had received a call for reckless driving. He took my license back to the patrol car while Avery and I waited. I hadn't done anything wrong. I wondered if I had been racially profiled. The state trooper came back to the window and asked if I had been drinking or had been smoking before driving. I responded no to both questions. He then asked if I could get out of the car and walk to the side of the freeway. Immediately as I got out of the car, I was struck with fear. The fear that every black man has to live with. The fear of being killed at the hands of a police officer. After passing the drug and alcohol tests on the side of the freeway, he let me go. A similar situation happened in Memphis, Tennessee this past month, it had a very different outcome.

Tyre Nichols, a 29-year old black man, was beaten to death by multiple police officers after being pulled over in a routine traffic stop that escalated quickly. The cycle of police brutality against black men continues to operate in our country. Don’t let Tyre’s death become just one more name added to the list. He was a father of a 4-year-old son, had a passion for photography, and he loved to skateboard. We must never lose sight of the humanity of the people behind the statistics.

A thought on Generosity:

My life is a by-product of other people’s generosity. Growing up my siblings and I spent many years in the foster care system bouncing around from home to home. When I was in middle school, we were finally adopted by a loving family. Along with a stable home, a village of people (family, teachers, coaches, mentors, and many others) poured time, resources, and love into us. We wouldn't be where we are today without that investment. The three of us have all been able to pursue and attain higher education and we feel it is our responsibility to give back to the community that gave so much to us. We believe that every student regardless of their background should be able to pursue higher education. This belief led my siblings and I to create the “It Takes a Village Scholarship” where we were able to give three students $1,000 to pursue higher education in 2022. This year our goal is to bring the village together to raise $6,000 to give in scholarships to Everett High School seniors. I invite you to become a part of the village. If you’re interested, in next week’s newsletter I’ll have more information on how you can give.

A question for the day:

• Who are the people in your life who have loved you well? Take a minute to think about them and the impact they’ve made on your life. If you’re able and willing, send them a message of gratitude.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in taking this journey towards more Love, more Justice, and more Generosity in their own life and in the world, please send them this link which will allow them to sign up (or copy and send: https://ljg.beehiiv.com/subscribe).

Thank you for being here.

With Love, Justice, and Generosity,

Michael Larson