Today I lost my grandfather, Lauren Watson. Even though it took me some years to meet him I loved him and respected everything he represented. The leader of the Denver Black Panthers, my granddad was the first role model I had for using my voice (and actions) to rebel against the commonplace injustices that others would gladly turn a blind eye from. He was bold and unabashedly outspoken about the truths he saw in the world around him. I’ll never forget the times in random conversations when he would go off on tangents about how “Denver is so damn white” and how growing into an adult black man I learned for myself WHY he was so vocal. I’m proud to descend from such strong, beautiful, black genes and even more proud to carry on his legacy every day. I love you granddad, and I hope your soul is finally getting the rest it so well deserves. #RIP #BlackPower #StandUp #SpeakOut #FightBack