ELMWOOD, Ill. (AP) - A Black man in rural Illinois has started an online video series to educate his white neighbors about Black history following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Brandon Butler, an Elmwood resident, figured that many white people don’t understand Black people’s plight because they are ignorant about the Black experience, the Journal Star reported Thursday. So, he launched “Welcome to “Brandon’s Black History,” a weekly presentation to engage the predominately white community where he lives with his family.
“I think it’s something that needs to be done,” Butler, 35, told watchers during one of his meetings. “And I’ll keep on doing it as long as it can.”
Elmwood had 1,945 residents, 0.15% of whom were African American, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. That’s about three people, which Butler said is about right.
Butler created Brandon’s Black History, a Facebook page, and dropped a link to his video meeting on June 9. He talked about Black Wall Street, an African American commercial district in Oklahoma that was destroyed by white a mob in 1921. He discussed Juneteenth and the Black Panther Party in following videos.
“We don’t get all of Black history in school,” Butler noted. “We get the basic highlights of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and slaves, but that’s it. I figured, what better time than now to teach history.”
Todd Hollis, who coaches football alongside Butler at Elmwood-Brimfield High School, said the lessons have been “eye-opening” for him and others watching.
Even Butler’s personal stories seem to shock his viewers. Recently, he recalled a racial encounter where a white woman told him: “I don’t know who gave you permission to live here,” and went on to call him a racial slur. Two white strangers told the woman: “We love him. He’s with us. … We want him here.”
Kristin Faulkner, Elmwood resident, said Butler’s willingness to speak honestly about his experiences is helping the community.
“I have seen the impact in three weeks on the hearts and minds of people in this small community,” Faulkner said.
Butler has seen many familiar faces during his virtual meetups. But he also welcomes new people, even those with differing views.
“Maybe I can open up their eyes, too,” Butler said.
Floyd died after an officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes. His death sparked protests worldwide against racial injustice and police brutality.
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