I have worked for you going on ten years. Though I didn't always agree with some of your decisions, I kept my mouth shut because I wasn't hired to give my opinion. But today I'm going to. That young woman was overcome by a lifetime of anger and frustration of not being seen or heard and being treated by some as less than, and there wasn't a damn thing she could do about it. I know this is hard for you to understand, but I'm not asking you to understand. I'm asking you not to ruin this young woman's life. She made a mistake, and you know the consequences of that are far greater for her. I have never asked a favor of you, but I'm asking you, please, do not punish this woman for just living while black in this country.

Naomi