"A Brother's Murder" by Brent Staples

We are moving on to the next text in our series entitled "A Brother's Murder" (this is by the same author who wrote "Black Men and Public Space").
Today we will:
1. Begin by watching a brief interview with the author (Brent Staples video)
2. Give a first read of "A Brother's Murder" as a group annotating as you read
3. Find the following vocabulary words: Circle them and write the corresponding definitions in the margins
Par 1:
posturing -behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others
assailant-an "attacker"
Par 2:
wrenched-pull or twist suddenly/violently
mortality-state of being subject to death
brash-self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way
Par 3 (page 202):
affluent-having money/wealthy
paranoia-extreme mistrust of people and their actions
machismo-strong or aggressive masculine pride
Par 4:
ensconced-settle in a comfortable, safe, or secret place
Par 5:
desolate-empty of people; bare
idle-avoiding work;lazy
embittered-feel bitter or resentful
forays-a sudden attack into enemy territory
Par 8:
earnestly-showing intention, purpose, or effort
recurrent-occurring often or repeatedly

Exit Visa/Ticket out the door: Please use RACE strategy in your responses (restate/answer/cite/explain)

**Why do you think Brent Staples chose to write about the experience of losing his brother? Don't just guess, but think about the reading. What is his main point? Remember it's from a larger piece called Parallel Time.

**What are your feelings on this piece in comparison with "Black Men and Public Space"? (Some people may have more emotional reactions than others because of their own real-life experiences and that is ok). What sections left a lasting impression on you?