I saw this piece regarding an apology by one of the men who beat and tormented John Lewis during the civil rights struggles.
Elwin Wilson was an unabashed racist, the sort who once hung a black doll from a noose outside his home. John Lewis was a young civil rights leader bent on changing laws, if not hearts and minds, even if it cost him his life.
They faced each other at a South Carolina bus station during a protest in 1961. Wilson joined a white gang that jeered Lewis, attacked him and left him bloodied on the ground.
The story chronicles Wilson's regret over his actions, his struggles with his conscience and his eventual meeting with Lewis Tuesday where Lewis accepted his apology.
Lewis said Wilson is the first person involved in the dozens of attacks against him during the civil rights era to step forward and apologize. When they met Tuesday, Lewis offered forgiveness without hesitation.
Kudos to Wilson for changing his heart and seeking reconciliation. Kudos to Lewis for accepting the apology.
I think the story has a broader message for the civil rights struggle, gay rights struggle and beyond.
Obama should invite them both to the White House for a ceremony.
Let the healing begin?