As you know, the big topic of this season I would be covering now would be my reaction to this shame of an election. How we as black people yet again have been put in a position where people would like to remind us on a daily where our place is and how “they” truly feel about us, and how we again must overcome these next challenging years. That would be the story of the week. However, I, along with my family, have found ourselves in the most uncharted waters we could ever imagine. Losing a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend in Karsyn Ti Juan Pryor. A precocious, charismatic and determined 15-year-old child also affectionately known as The Prince wanting to carve his own path in this world was sadly stolen from us on October 31, 2024, near his home. And to be honest, we are not ok. Yes, we are pressing through as our faith has taught us to do and being visited by family and concerned members of the community for additional condolences are all wonderful, but we are not ok with the way his life was taken, and neither should you. Out of many, he was one of one. A jewel. His Mom and Dad first born, a light shining for miles.
A kid. On any given day, you could find him in his grandmother’s home baking candy and cookies for his classmates. Yes, he was also an entrepreneur with the understanding of “if I want it, I have to work for it”. At one of his multiple memorial gatherings, his father, Kamron jokingly said he would put things together such as cereal on top of baked cookies, things he never imagined doing himself and sale them and apparently it was a hit amongst his classmates. If that wasn’t enough, he also played defensive back (DB) for his high school football team. A young man coming into his own. Realizing his own potential. But this post is not to delve into the horrific nature of this loss (and it is horrible), but more so to save a generation as my cousin Erica Perkins so eloquently stated at his homegoing which is first and foremost to GET OFF THE CLIFF. Translation: We are living in a time where we accept anything and everything. From music, to videos, to conversations, and even environmental norms without question.
We watch violent actions, and we turn a blind eye due to not wanting to be involved. Shame on you. Shame on me. Shame on us. When one goes astray, we all are held responsible. A vine to the tree if you will. And while this egregious action could have been avoided, what we do now is what matters. Turning pain into purpose. I have said this repeatedly that what we do as adults count and that the ones behind us are looking for true guidance, not rap lyrics, no shade. Really speaking to their hearts, souls and minds. They are screaming for help through the echo chambers of a chaotic society. On a personal note, many people connected to me may know my desire to become a parent. I pray about finding out the gender and who they would look most like and what their names would be. In the same way, what I also look forward to is teaching them the facts of life we all must go through. That acting out in fits of rage only causes harm and torment a body is not built for. That the only way to navigate any emotions that life will undoubtably throw at you is to first acknowledge your pain and own it. To not be ok is a step to becoming ok in the end. Understanding the mountain tops and valley moments are all in divine season we do not get to choose. But equipping them prior will be the reminder they will appreciate later. Secondly, talk to a trusted person who only speaks after listening to you. Anyone who is quick to tell someone to “get over it” is not suited to be trusted. Dismissing someone’s pain is no more ridiculous than ignoring a toothache and expecting to function. Finally, do the hard work, call a thing as is and cast it out. “It” is there to distract you and keep you contemplating ungodly thoughts. Thoughts and actions that my family now are reaping the consequences of that were never handled with someone else’s family which spilled over to mine. The pain is real but again, so is the purpose.
So, the question remains, when the steps are being applied and the work is being done to save a generation, what do we do with the rage that remains? If I’m honest, nothing. We are not naive to believe that everyone can or will be saved, and that should enrage all of us. We know this world is full of temptation that many in this generation are laser focused on. Bringing them instant gratification excites them. Karsyn was one of them. He knew the hottest language, the hippest styles, the coolest apps, but he stood apart. He made sure his faith in The Lord was just as cool as the newest “J’s”. Not by words but by actions hence, he recently being baptized placing The King above all. Maybe Karsyn knew something we didn’t know. Maybe he felt in his spirit he must leave to save a generation or maybe his action of becoming baptized would be the catalyst for change. Whatever the claim, his purpose was completed. God in his infinite wisdom prepared a mourning family to keep going and being reminded that He will receive the glory even in sorrow. Pain intertwined with purpose. As I conclude my tribute, I understand that the anger is still there, boiling at the surface of the realization that there are no life do-overs, but it will subside. Justice is long and drawn out, but it is coming soon, and peace is like a river with a raft only in eye-view wanting security, and time will heal the hearts most affected by this tragedy eventually. But through it all, a verse from a beloved gospel song can only sum up the magnitude of this moment, that “It is well with my soul”. Amen. Rest well, Karsyn. Well done.
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