This cheerleader did more for race relations and understanding with this one act than most do when they go on an all out attack and righteous indignation. If this young man is like most young human beings, the personalization, the physical encounter and interaction with the woman he demeaned, will plant a seed in him. The fact that the aggrieved in this case was the catalyst for the meeting provides a larger effect on many than otherwise would be.
All is forgiven as far as this cheerleader is concerned
Indystar reported the story as follows.
One week after a Russiaville high school student used a racial slur to describe an Indianapolis Colts cheerleader in a photo he posted to Snapchat, the two met in person.
The cheerleader, Leanna E., tweeted a photo Wednesday night showing her next to the 17-year-old Western High School senior during the meeting at the Colts complex. The text of the tweet: “A week ago I was the victim of a racial slur that was shared around the world. Today, I chose forgiveness & feel stronger because of it.”
“To receive the apology and be able to formally and officially forgive him and talk and be able to relate on things and find common ground, it was really comforting and helpful for us,” Leanna said Thursday in an interview with IndyStar. “I’m at peace with it.”
The student took a photo Dec. 14 of him and another student posing with Leanna and another Colts cheerleader at the Howard County high school during an event to celebrate the school’s participation in the Colts Leadership Challenge blood donation program with the Indiana Blood Center. The teen sent the Snapchat with the caption, “Of course (other student’s name) put me next to the (racial slur).” A screen grab of the photo was posted to Facebook and quickly went viral, shared more than 1,000 times.
The story drew international attention, and the student posted an apology on his Instagram account, which has since been deleted. But he had not directly apologized to Leanna.
Leanna E’s tweet
A week ago I was the victim of a racial slur that was shared around the world. Today, I chose forgiveness & feel stronger because of it.💪🏾💙 pic.twitter.com/svnd1eDLfd
— Alliyah B. (@AlliyahB_CC) December 22, 2016
These are the types of acts that can make a difference after the hate unleashed by Trump and his ilk. This cheerleader did not resort to righteous indignation but righteous care for a human being’s mind still in its formative state.
(h/t RawStory)