It's never too late to say you're sorry.
This is unfunny, but it does make me think that there just might be hope for humanity after all: Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga) and Elwin Wilson today accepted an award at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, for their reconciliation over Wilson's participation in a vicious, racially-motivated beating in 1961.

Lewis at the time was working for integration, and Wilson was a segregationist. Earlier this year, Wilson traveled to Lewis' congressional office to apologize for his role in the attack.

When they met Tuesday, Lewis offered forgiveness without hesitation.

“I was very moved,” said Lewis. “He was very, very sincere, and I think it takes a lot of raw courage to be willing to come forward the way he did. … I think it will lead to a great deal of healing.”

I think forgiveness takes a great deal of courage, too. Bravo to both of them.

(Post a new comment)

	rachelmap 2009-10-31 11:36 am UTC (link)
	Oh, wow. Are we finally getting past this issue? (Please God.) (Reply to this)

lizzypaul
2009-10-31 05:29 pm UTC (link)

When I was in rehab, the guy who runs the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance gave a class every Wednesday on forgiveness. Honestly, most of the class was a combination of boring and woo, but I did find their story fascinating then. I'm really bummed I didn't get to go to International Forgiveness Day and see them in person, especially because it was literally held five minutes from my house.

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	warrioreowyn 2009-10-31 09:35 pm UTC (link)
	He gets an award for apologizing for beating the guy up, nearly 50 years after the fact? I can't help but feel that's setting the bar rather low. I could understand just giving the award to Lewis for forgiving him. (Reply to this)(Thread)

	hallidae 2009-11-01 12:11 am UTC (link)
	Would you rather he went the route of most people who'd committed the same act in that time period and died thinking he'd never done anything wrong? (Reply to this)(Parent)

	blue_linnet 2009-11-01 01:18 am UTC (link)
	I figured some people would feel this way..I see the point, but at the same time, I figure the award is supposed to be symbolic. And also to give hope--attitudes can change, even within someone's lifetime. So don't give up hope. It definitely gives me hope for things like gay rights, for instance. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	irised 2009-11-01 06:42 am UTC (link)
	I can't say about the award. But I do think it is a massive thing for someone to change their views so hugely and admit it. (Reply to this)(Parent)