Ever since I married to my African American husband, I’ve noticed a trend that is quite disturbing: whenever we go out in public -- be it Tops, Walmart, or some restaurant -- I’ve noticed that some people feel the need to lock their doors as he passes cars in the parking lot.

As if, just because he is not white, he has the intention of attacking them: "them" usually being elderly white women. As mentioned in previous articles, Ray has never had a criminal past, and there is no reason for these people to feel unsafe as he passes.

They only lock their doors because they recognize him as a black male, and see that as a threat. As attorney Crump says in his article Truth and Consequences. Debating the meaning and potential impact of a damning video:

“There is a blanket of distrust, disrespect and indifference that has been thrown across black men in America."

And this is exactly why these prejudice people lock up when he walks by. One woman last night even had the nerve to pull through into the further parking space as Raymond and I parked next to her. I thought to myself:

"Really lady? For what reason? And how does moving one space help you?"

It was so infuriating. It took getting married to my husband to be able to see some of the small yet infuriating things people of color go through on a day to day basis. It saddens me that there could be such ignorant and disrespectful people in my own community.

While nothing I do can change the way these people think and feel, I can proudly stand by my husband as he faces this discrimination and make others aware of it. I can educate people to know that just because Ray is not white, does not mean he is a threat to anyone regardless of whether or not they lock their doors as he passes.

I believe that all people of every race need to join together to prove that we are all equal and that everyone deserves respect.