Scott, a Black father of three and founder of the Daddy Stroller Social Club, said the news brought back advice he received as a teenager: make it home safely. He said his family taught him to keep his hands visible during a traffic stop and have documents ready before an officer approaches.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson confirmed that a group of officers discussed targeting people in Charlotte because of their race, gender and religion in text messages. The disclosure has raised concerns about trust in law enforcement.

Scott said the messages made him think about his children, including his son, who will eventually face police encounters as an adult. He said he felt some comfort that the messages had become public, making the conduct visible to people who might otherwise doubt that such bias occurs.

Scott started the Daddy Stroller Social Club last year to give fathers a place to connect and support one another. Most members are Black, he said, and many have described feeling targeted by police.

He wants to teach his children practical ways to stay safe without letting fear shape their lives. His goal, he said, is for them to enjoy their lives freely while remembering the importance of getting home safely.