Prince Jones had a bright future ahead of him. Thanks to his hardworking mother's constant efforts, he could enjoy a comfortable existence. It resulted in his engagement with his beloved partner. Unfortunately, while driving to his fiancée's house one night, he was followed and killed by a police officer who claimed Jones was trying to run him over.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, who had met Jones at Howard University, realized that even working hard and staying out of trouble was not enough to ensure the safety and happiness of Black Americans. How can a young man with a promising future be murdered by the very people who had to protect and serve his community? How can a police officer get away with taking a life despite clear evidence of wrongdoing? Coates himself experienced the fear and uncertainty that came with being Black in America. The officer who killed Jones was not held accountable and continued to work despite being a known liar.

Can you envision a scenario where a stranger calls you over and suddenly brandishes a gun in front of you? In 1986, Coates had an encounter that had a lasting impact on him. While outside a market after school, a boy he didn't know beckoned him and pulled out a gun from his ski jacket. The boy said nothing, he just waved the gun around in a threatening way before putting it back. This incident reinforced Coates' belief that, as a Black person, he was always at risk of sudden and unprovoked violence. How would you feel if you were in Coates' shoes, constantly facing the threat of imminent danger solely based on your race?

These events had a profound impact on Coates, particularly after he became a father. What is it like to dread violence as a Black individual? How can a single traumatic event shape one's entire outlook on life and perception of the world? These were questions that Coates wrestled with for many years. As a writer, he reflects on the fears he harbors for himself, his community, and above all, his son.