UCLA Cop

The very first question my mom asked me after I moved was ‘What do the cops look like?’

I said ‘White.’

She said ‘No, what do they drive? Black & white car? Ranger? All black? You should know these things.’

I’ve never lived in a place that wasn’t considered ‘the hood.’ This wasn’t on my mind.

Ironically, I hear more police sirens on Santa Monica Blvd in West LA than I heard on Fruitvale in East Oakland. Or central in Compton. Or Foothill in Fontana.

The difference is I know they’re actually trying to protect someone here. But that also means there’s someone to protect them from. 

I was making a delivery on UCLA’s campus with the tiny streets. I parked in a red zone momentarily to text my customer that I’ve arrived, and to ask where to park. No more than 30 seconds later, the man approaches with his hand already on his gun - speed walking, looking very worried.

‘Hi im making a delivery, where should I park?

‘You can’t park here.’

‘Right, so where should I park?’

‘Let me see your license.’

*Reaching for my wallet in my back pocket* ‘Why do you need to see my license to tell me where to park?’

‘Oh you think it’s funny? Sit tight’

My customer comes and grabs their groceries.

‘So for parking in the red it’s a $100 fine.’

‘Wait but I’m still in the car and I asked you where to park. It didn’t needa be all this, you coulda just told me where to go.’

‘You could have parked anywhere else. Make sure you leave right now.’

He never took his hand off his gun.

He spoke with great nervousness in his voice.

I do not fear a cop who is in control and tries to overpower me. I fear the one that doesn’t know what they’re doing. Because neither of us know how this could end.

My roommates don’t have to worry about this. The people I tend to deliver to don’t have to worry about this. About 90% of the people I come across in my immediate region don’t have to worry about this.

They are the ones those sirens protect. And it is quite obvious who they’re trying to protect them from.

This happened only 1 mile away from my doorstep. I’ll probably see him again. He’ll probably see me again. If not, this won’t be the last time I’m sure.

There are many reasons why James Baldwin left the country. 

There are many reasons why Angela Davis left the country.

There are many reasons why Muhammad Ali changed his name.

There are many reasons why my friends got too old at 22.

But one reason is how I’m feeling right now, tired. Very very tired.

Is there such a place where we don’t have to worry about this?

It’s a real question.

I’d really like to know.