To the editor:

I am writing in response to the a recent letter to the editor entitled, “I will continue to stand for them.”

The writer suggests Colin Kaepernick is too young to have a clue about discrimination.

Discrimination can happen to someone of any age and at any time.

Of course, Kaepernick didn’t live during the era of “separate but equal,” but he and many of us who lived during the Post-Civil Rights era learned about these things from our families and from schools. Even many millennials have experienced discrimination.

People are also bringing up Kaepernick’s biracial background and the fact that he was raised by a white family, but neither of those things means he has not experienced discrimination. Discrimination can come in many forms, not just being denied a job.

There are good people who work in law enforcement who are willing to protect and serve communities. However, some are in law enforcement because they just want a title and a paycheck.

Something has to be done about the corruption in law enforcement and the justice system. If we remain silent, passive and apathetic about that corruption, expect protesters to take matters into their own hands, because no one wants to listen to their plea for justice and equality.

Saying that “All lives matter” but not living up to the full meaning of that statement is just as bad as believing that certain people are inferior.

Yes, all lives do matter, but what are you doing to show that you believe in this universal truth? Are you willing to empathize with friends who are upset, angry or anxious about the recent shootings of African-Americans? Are you willing to send condolences to families and friends of those who died in those shootings?

Black Lives Matter does not mean that other lives don’t matter. It means that black lives shouldn’t be left behind.

Kenya Smith

Suffolk