The US state of South Carolina is in the midst of strong racial turmoil following the shooting dead of nine black churchgoers in Charleston last month. While white supremacist Dylann Roof has been arrested and is facing charges for the brutal crime, it doesn't seem to have eased racial tensions in the state with supremacist rallies still taking place.
This makes the below photo so powerful.
not an uncommon example of humanity in SC: Leroy Smith helps white supremacist to shelter & water as heat bears down. pic.twitter.com/GoF23r3mRe
— rob godfrey (@RobGodfrey) July 18, 2015
In the image shared by Rob Godfrey, deputy chief of staff to governor Nikki Haley, it shows a kind police officer helping an ageing man to the shade as the temperatures become too much for him.
Seems normal enough yes? Except that it is a black police officer, Leroy Smith helping a white supremacist who is wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with a swastika. This photo shows the officer reacting in the best way possible, proving that human kindness wins in the face of adversity and Mr. Smith has rightly been praised for his act of compassion.
#SouthCarolina if we all showed the selfless compassion that Leroy Smith demonstrated, the world would be a better place #RiseAboveIgnorance
— Suzanne Longhurst (@SuzLong21) July 20, 2015
Props to Officer Leroy Smith for fighting racism in the classiest, most dignified way possible.
— Aliah (@AliahXtine) July 20, 2015
Helping out someone, that you know, hates you with a passion. Very honorable, sir! #LeroySmith #ServeandProtect https://t.co/eH0Sp0Xgs9
— Thomas O. 📢 (@tomigoldnet) July 19, 2015
The image was taken at a supremacist rally being held in the city of Columbia over the weekend by North Carolina based Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan to protest the removal of the confederate flag from the state's courthouse. The protest over the flag's removal, which is seen as a symbol of white supremacy,was attended by around 2,000 people.
Hat-Tip: Yahoo News
Featured Image: Reuters TV
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