(AL.com) – Full, full disclosure: Calvin and Samantha Briggs are my friends. We attend the same church and walk in many of the same social circles. We share many of the same hopes and dreams for our community — particularly for our children.
That done, I’ll say this as clearly as possible: Give the young man a chance. I still see Calvin and Samantha’s son, Elijah Briggs, on graduation Sunday at church back in May, his 6-foot-3 frame draped in a black cap and gown, adorned with a sash signifying membership in Alpha Phi Alpha, one of the proud Divine Nine Black Greek organizations. He had earned a bachelor’s degree in mass media arts and film from Clark Atlanta University. CONTINUE