Just as I was approaching him from behind I heard him say, “Why are you holding that white baby, nigger? There ain’t no white folks in here and you sure as hell ain’t her mama!”

He was swaying from side to side.

I couldn’t get much closer—there were too many people between me and him—but I could clearly see Mama and Layla’s faces. They both looked calm and fearless, and then Mama said, “Child, we is all family here. Put down that gun and sit with us for some birthday cake. You see, this is Layla and it’s her third birthday, and I’m her godmother.”

In a clear, strong but kind voice, Mama said, “I can see you don’t want to hurt this child!”

This seemed to confuse the gunman and he fell silent, and then Layla said with a joyful voice, “It’s my happy birthday!” I saw the man lower the gun, and then he began to cry.

There was complete silence in the room as this 6’7” giant of a man began to sob.

Then Layla said, “Don’t be sad.” And to everyone’s surprise, Mama took two steps towards the gunman. As she reached down, she took the gun from his hand.