"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
It's a story of Pride, Prejudice and Forgiveness…
Fifty years ago this month, thirteen people mounted a Greyhound bus to travel from Washington, DC to New Orleans.
These travelers – some white, some black – became known as "The Freedom Riders."
On May 9, 1961, these Freedom Riders stopped down the road in Rock Hill and tried to enter a "Whites Only" waiting room.
Included were a white Freedom Rider and African-American John Lewis, now a US Congressman.
These two were brutally beaten and left in a pool of blood by former KKK member Elwin Wilson and other Klansmen…a senseless act of cowardice, ignorance, and bigotry.
Fortunately, "the times, they are a-changin'."
Elwin Wilson recently apologized to Mr. Lewis and the African-American members of his neighborhood.
He was wrong and ashamed of his actions and attitudes. He sought forgiveness and was granted it.
Thanks to the courage of the Freedom Riders and others like them, our nation has made great strides in achieving racial harmony and cooperation.
As for Mr. Wilson, while we deplore his original prejudice, hatred, and violence, we appreciate his willingness to renounce his earlier beliefs and actions.
And we applaud those willing to forgive him.
If more of us could set aside our own biases and stereotypes, just imagine the progress we could achieve in our communities and our nation as a whole.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
