Man Asks Entire Town for Forgiveness for Racism

Posted by Helen on: 02.11.2009 /

I liked this ABC news story (h/t Keep Believing blog)

Man Asks Entire Town for Forgiveness for Racism

Nearly half a century ago, in a very different America, Elwin Wilson and John Lewis met under a veil of violence and race-inspired hate.

Wilson, a young, white, Southern man, attacked Lewis, a freedom rider for Martin Luther King, in the “white” waiting room of a South Carolina bus station. The men had not seen each other again until Tuesday when, with “Good Morning America’s” help, Wilson approached Lewis again — this time offering an apology and a chance to relieve a burden he’d carried for more than four decades.

“I’m so sorry about what happened back then,” Wilson said breathlessly.
“It’s OK. I forgive you,” Lewis responded before a long-awaited hug.

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2 Responses to "Man Asks Entire Town for Forgiveness for Racism"

  • Comment by: Doreen

    1 02/11/09 3:52 PM | Comment Link |

    I’ve often wished I could be more like John Lewis….

  • Comment by: Helen

    2 02/11/09 8:04 PM | Comment Link |

    Yes, I’m very impressed that he actually went back and asked for forgiveness.