Supporting The Blue That Supports The Black
We’re currently experiencing one, if not, the biggest civil rights movement of our time. Many of us are finding out what it means to live in a society where groups are punished or discriminated against solely based on the color of their skin. In addition, many of us have come to question some of the very pillars that allow our society to be up and running such as the police department.
While it is true that police brutality has caused much of the pain and suffering that we see on the news today, it should not mar the extraordinary work that some of our law enforcement officers perform day in and day out to keep our streets crime-free. That is why 17-year-old Markel David decided that it was time for police to recognize their duty to serve their community now more than ever.
Markel resides in Columbus, Ohio and is a senior that attends Upper Arlington High School. He is also part of the Public Safety program through Columbus City Schools. The program allows young people such as Markel to become more familiar with the world of law enforcement and get a feel for what it looks like on the inside.
So how does Markel become more involved in his programs with the other fellow officers? By cooking of course! He and his mother, Jessica Davis, create traditional American cookouts such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and bratwursts during the hot summer days. As soon as the meals are done and prepared, they get delivered with buns and water on the side.
Police officers are facing intense criticism nationwide for the lack of humane treatment they have extended towards African-Americans and people of color. Markel wants to address the fact that this is not the case for every officer that swears an oath to honor to protect the community and its civilians.
“I feel like they are feeling that nobody out here is supporting them and I don’t want them to think that. I want them to know that I am here for them,” Markel said after speaking with WBNS-10TV.
Giving Back One Meal At A Time
Jessica Davis chimed in and said, “We have a lot of friends in law enforcement and one of our friends had posted something saying they didn’t have food down there and they are working endless hours.” The hard work put in showed as the mother-son duo busted out around 100 meals a day.
“I feel like there is something that needs to be done about what happened (to George Floyd). I believe that was wrong and we should be protesting,” said Markel, according to Local 12. “But I don’t think that just because some police officers did something wrong, that every police officer is wrong.”
Markel has received criticism and scrutiny for supporting the men and women in blue uniforms during these nation-wide protests. He has also received support for his stance in regards to representing those officers who do good in the police department.
Markel’s mother added, “I just believe in letting your kids follow their dreams and be what they want to be. There’s going to be upset people because of what Markel’s doing. He said he wanted to do what was right and stand up for what he believes in. So I’m proud of him.”
As for Markel, the young man is finding his own voice in this big blue world. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, Markel stands to be a force of support for a group of people that are being questioned about their role in society. Those officers are incredibly thankful and applaud Markel for his brave effort, and of course, for the delicious food he and his mother provide for them.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
