For those of you who haven't learned about the charges against the Baltimore police officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray, I'm getting ahead of the story. During a 16 minute press conference, Baltimore State Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced criminal charges for the six police officers including assault, manslaughter and murder. You'll be able to hear those charges discussed endlessly in the media over the coming hours and days. But I want to focus on what she said at the end of her prepared statements, addressing the youth of Baltimore.

"I will seek justice on your behalf. This is a moment. This is your moment. Let’s ensure that we have peaceful and productive rallies that will develop structural and systemic changes for generations to come. You’re at the forefront of this cause, and as young people, our time is now."

What a refreshing change of tone from the "thugs" mantra that's been repeated endlessly since the Monday night violence in Baltimore. Mosby gave the youth of the city the kind of respect adults should afford young people. She didn't shake her finger at them. She didn't warn them they will be punished if they act out. Instead, she empowered them by putting them at "the forefront of this cause" and telling them "our time is now." The fact that she's 35, the youngest person in her position in any major city, gives her the right to include herself among the young people who, we hope, will help bring greater social justice to the country.