I do not know Sybrina Fulton. Nor can I claim to understand the depth of her pain. Yet, we share a deep connection. You see, Ms. Fulton is living my nightmare. A constant worry that has lingered in the back of my mind since the birth of my eldest son, some sixteen years ago.

Janelle Harris wrote an interesting article at Essence.com, discussing stereotypes of Black mothers in America. Like everyone else, I thought back to the women who've influenced me in my life, namely my mother, aunts and grandmothers.

My friend recently told me to check out the black parents quotes trend on Twitter. Reading through the quotes, I noted many familiar phrases I heard growing up from my own loving mother.