The Problem with Always Asking Black People to Forgive
In the wake of Brandt Jean embracing his brother’s killer in court, CNN’s Doug Chris and Leah Asmelash report on why the narratives around African American forgiveness are complicated. After Jean forgave former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, referencing his Christian faith, the news went viral. There was also significant pushback on social media. Artist and activist Bree Newsom says, “The Black person who forgives them is viewed through the white gaze lens as a model minority solely for their willingness to forgive. The Black person exists as a vehicle for white redemption.”