All too often, it is difficult, if not impossible, for Black men to escape their mistakes or the image that has been cast upon them. This is galling, especially when one considers the pass that white men are given for all kinds of questionable behavior. The Horton brothers are victims of that, and so is Robert F. Smith. America loves a comeback story, and everyone should have the opportunity for one, even when it’s a Black man at the center of the story. Supposedly, our country wants to ensure that everyone has a fair shot and the opportunity to redeem themselves for any actual or perceived mistakes in the past. In that case, we cannot let the color of someone’s skin be the arbiter of their reputation.