Craig Carlson: Smith’s positive message

I want to thank Josh Smith for his Oct. 15 Point of View “A young black man walks in deputies’ shoes.” I work at a large high school in Durham and have the good fortune to work closely every day with our School Resource Officers – Durham County sheriff deputies.

Our deputies sound an awful lot like the Orange County deputies that Smith interned with and gained such an appreciation for. His description of their caring and selfless service rings true as does his acknowledgment of the very real challenges faced by people of color, especially young African-American males. As a young black man, Smith knows firsthand the challenge of living in a society largely shaped by racism.

Yet he wrote, “I too, love America. That is why I’m willing to go the extra mile to make sure our country doesn’t lose hope ...” People of all races and backgrounds like Smith, law enforcement and our teachers are putting themselves on the front lines of the racial divide every day, and they are doing the hard work of reaching out across that line.

His message of hope, perseverance and reconciliation is to be applauded and followed.

This story was originally published October 17, 2016 at 6:50 PM with the headline "Craig Carlson: Smith’s positive message."