I sometimes feel like I'm caught in a vise. Some people feel like I'm some kind of hero. Others hate me.

Over the years, a lot of rappers - Lil' Wayne, Ice Cube - have used my name in their songs. I'm a real touchstone of history.

I saw my hometown burning that day.

I'm a religious person. I remember my mom told me: 'Vengeance belongs to God. It's up to him to wreak vengeance.' It's hard for me to get to that point, but that's the work of God.

I realize I will always be the poster child for police brutality, but I can try to use that as a positive force for healing and restraint.

I know and value what it means to wake up and be alive and to share my story. I'm so blessed to be here and to be able to talk about it.

I sometimes feel like I'm caught in a vise. Some people feel like I'm some kind of hero. Others hate me.