African American

You just made me smile and tear up that you've made it intact so far. Wow.

I've counted 8 times in my life of being stopped or pursued by cops driving or in a car while black. The first time was when we first came to the U.S. I was 8 and terrified and will never forget the young cop's face as he drove by. The last time was 5 years ago while moving and suddenly realized that I was on the lam for whatever. Luckily I pulled into a neighborhood, saw a young white guy coming out of a house. I parked behind him to ask how to get to my address - I had to think of something. He gave me the lengthiest routes to my house that he could think of, then suddenly stopped and said, "He's gone now. Just give it a few more minutes before going home."

Still, for some crazy reason, I have a false sense of security keeping 7 drivers licenses in my wallet.