An Amazing Story

8 Random Thoughts for 2/6/2009 #2

In 1961, Elwin Wilson was a bigot who was part of an attack that left Rep. John Lewis (D - GA) bloodied in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Almost 50 years later, Mr. Wilson stepped forward and apologized to Rep. Lewis. The words were simple. 

Elwin Wilson: "I am sorry."

Rep. John Lewis: "I forgive you."

The courage to stand up and repent for your racist past must be difficult to find. The courage to face a man that you attacked for the most irrational hate of all must be astounding. The courage to give forgiveness is stunning. In moments like this, this ability of an American to both atone for his past wrongs and for another American to forgive them, leaves you almost speechless.

The in person apology was arranged by Good Morning America.

(Read more about what led to this apology at this link.)

We Still Have a Dream

8 Martin Luther King Jr. Videos #5

These days, there's not an awful lot that makes me proud of my home state, Georgia. However, Rep. John Lewis makes me proud. This is a man who spoke at the mall in Washington DC the night that Dr. King delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech. Here, he connects the sacrifices of Dr. King and the civil right movement with the rise of Barack Obama.