Despite the loud, ignorant uproar, Cheerios has proclaimed that they stand behind their ad and will continue to run the commercial for its scheduled time period. Without skipping a beat, the cereal giant completely side-stepped the hatred and announced, “Consumers have responded positively to our new Cheerios ad. At Cheerios, we know there are many kinds of families and we celebrate them all.” While I commend and applaud the company for taking the high road, I guess I am just not that understanding.

Let’s talk for a minute about how completely unacceptable racism is. There was an ugly point in time during our history where a large majority of the population believed separate was equal and that African Americans were a lesser people because of the color of their skin. It was my understanding that anyone with half a heart and even the smallest semblance of common sense now understood the grave mistakes of those who came before us. Over the years, courageous men and women have changed the world by refusing to sit in the back of the bus; by risking their lives in war and in protest in the name of equality; and by having dreams that they chose to share and use to inspire an entire nation. Members of all races have stood up load and proud, at times putting themselves in harm’s way or grave danger so that we could live in a world free of the ignorance and hate previous generations found status quo.

How far we have come, how far we have to go. Despite monumental social movements, the significant rise in bi-racial and interethnic couples in our society and the fact that we have a bi-racial sitting president, we are beginning to see that people who we call peers and fellow Americans are still no better than those from decades past; no more advanced in their thinking than the individuals who insisted that different races required different bathrooms. In fact, they represent a worse kind of intolerance because they sit behind a keyboard and anonymously spread their ignorance to a population working to build a culture built on acceptance and love. Too many among us have yet to learn that opinions, no matter how closed-minded they may be, and free speech are rights that we share but it is never appropriate or acceptable to use those rights to spout off hateful speech and breed intolerance.

YouTube has become a notorious breeding ground for racism, the comments sections of videos created by minorities almost always tagged with slurs and hateful speech. This week on the Today Show, Star Jones expressed her belief that social media has become a modern day supremacy of sorts when she said, “ Social media is the new kind of Ku Klux Klan white hood; it allows you to be anonymous and say things you would never say to a person to their face.” Many have disagreed with the lawyer and regular morning show pundit, saying that the comparison of the two is harsh and implies that anonymous commentators and the KKK have much more in common than they truly do; that the actions of the online community are not as severe as the behavior displayed by white supremacist groups. I say that hate is hate and the comparison is just. Anyone who remotely stands up for a person who displays such deplorable behavior, anonymously spreading such disgusting language and hateful views of others, only breeds continued racism. Whether publicly or privately, any display of racist behavior is unacceptable in the world that we live in and no hate crime is worse than another.

Now that I have had the chance to thoroughly express how unacceptable this entire scenario is, allow me to shout from the rooftops how grateful I am for General Mills’ take on the modern family. In a world where ignorance clearly still exists, despite our best efforts to snuff it out, I couldn’t be more thankful that there are major brands willing to push acceptance and love into mainstream media. Sure, it is only a thirty-second television spot and Cheerios isn’t the first or only brand to take a stand, but they are helping to continually pave the way here and now. Cheerios is fighting the good fight and for that, they should be commended.

As years have passed and my cousins have married, our family has expanded in remarkable ways. We have become a mini melting pot through both marriage and birth and I would seriously challenge you to find children more adorable and loving than the ones I spend my holidays with. It is nothing short of unacceptable for them or any other child to grow up in a world where they feel as if they might not “belong”; in a world where they might think they don’t fit the mold. There is no mold. There is no right or wrong or better or best type of family. There are all types of families, all equally amazing in their own ways and we all fit here. I believe there will come a day when everyone understands this very simple notion but, until then, despite the short-sightedness of some, I will continue to cheer loudly for the good guys; the ones who know that love is love and don’t really understand why anyone would see it any other way.

Thank you Cheerios, for continuing to spread love and acceptance, for showing millions around the world that while families may vary in shape, size and color, they are all equally wonderful and important in their own way. You have given us yet another reason to love Cheerios. We raise our spoons to you!

Featured Image via Cheerios

The post Cheerios Celebrates Love And Equality In The Face Of Racism appeared first on HelloGiggles.

By all accounts, Brant Gniewek was a vibrant, fun-loving, extremely passionate young man who dedicated himself to helping others. This past year, the 30-year old Wrigleyville resident announced he would run 52 races of varying lengths, many of them marathons, to raise money and support those in their fight against cancer. Each week, Gniewek would run one race in honor of a cancer patient, supporting them financially and emotionally in their individual battle. While this was an honorable feat in itself, this philanthropist went one step further. As he continued to map out his year, plan his weekly events, he decided that there was a much bigger idea at play and jump started his own charity, 52 For 52, devoted to raising money that would support the eradication of cancer through early detection.

“As I was planning my races for this year, I came up with the idea to run one race a week for one person to help raise money for them to fight and beat cancer. After playing around with the idea, I came up with 52 For 52 to help fight cancer. The original idea was to [run] 52 races and raise money, but that turned into starting my own charity.” Gniewek said.

There is no doubt that Gniewek’s passion displays kindness rooted in personal sacrifice, giving over both his body and mind to help others. While he may have thought his goal for the first year was small, it was anything but insignificant as evidenced by the interview he gave to Windy City Media Group.

“The first year of my charity, the goal is to just get the word out, race, and get people informed that early-detection is key in fighting this horrible disease,” Gniewek said. “With this being a [new] charity, the goal is to start small and help 52 people. That’s one a week and each race has a goal to raise $375. The first year I am looking to raise $10,000 to help cover the cost of racing, which includes promoting 52 For 52, the registration cost, the cost of travel, and equipment. The other and most important fundraising will be to raise $20,000 to cover the cost of early detection for 52 people.”

With a solid goal and an undeniable appetite for making a difference, Gniewek set off on his new found adventure, certain that he would find success in his biggest challenge to date through the support of his family and friends.

Most tragically, Brant Gniewek suffered and untimely death this past week from what is believed to be a heart attack. While the cause is uncertain, some family and friends believe his heart simply couldn’t hold up under the stress of a demanding career, running regiment and lack of sleep. As such, most would understand if his family and friends were grief stricken, bitter with the idea of the running that may have ultimately taken their loved one away. Quite the opposite, his family and friends have vowed that Gniewek’s passion and commitment would live on through each of them. Those whose support he proclaimed he would need in order to meet his goals is unwavering and, in the end, will prove to be the key element in completing the challenge the was set. To date, the devout fundraiser had run 18 races and was scheduled for another eight. Now, his commitments will be fulfilled by those he originally leaned on for emotional support, people who will run those eight scheduled races and an additional 26 throughout the remainder of 2013.

Gniewek’s genuine spirit and enthusiasm were undeniable and something his friends admired about him. When asked about his friend, Craig Wu told Windy City Media Group that, “Brant was extremely dedicated to his charity and was always looking for the next race to help others beat cancer. His bright blue eyes, witty charm and calm confidence will be missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.”

While this young man’s heart may not have been strong enough to carry him through, all the love that poured from it touched countless lives and continues to inspire kindness even after his passing. The compassion that Brant Gniewek radiated allows us all to see that true love and kindness knows no bounds and carries on to heal both the recipients and the receivers.

Sending my condolences to Brant Gniewek’s family and friends. I wish you continued passion and success as you work to carry on Brant’s admirable goals. There is no doubt he made the world a kinder more loving place, as will each of you.

Feature Image via Windy City Media Group

The post Kindness Uncovered: 52 For 52 Founder Passes, Family And Friends Vow To Carry On His Mission appeared first on HelloGiggles.

Churches throughout the city of Moore have remained open to help provide shelter and food for those members of the community who have found themselves with nothing. Neighboring congregations have collected and passed out work gloves and Gatorade to aid in the safekeeping of residents working to sort through the piles of debris that were once their homes. The parking lot of a local grocery store was turned into a giant barbecue, offering free hamburgers and hot dogs, fresh cookies and drinks to victims and first responders. Moore, Oklahoma has shown that it is a tight knit community with members more than ready to love thy neighbor. Even before the rest of the world could learn of the devastation the city faced, local police officers and firefighters raced to the aid of the most urgent victims, saving hundreds of lives.

The outpouring of kindness has been admirable, but some of the most courageous and selfless of heroes offered their bravery in the greatest hour of need. Before the damage was done and well before service members, neighbors, celebrities or Red Cross volunteers could flood the streets with man power and good will, the teachers and caretakers of the city stepped up and risked their own lives to ensure the safekeeping of Moore’s children. Reports of day care employees and educators protecting young kids and students before themselves, using their bodies as human shields against fierce winds and falling debris, have been surfacing since the storm winds subsided. One mother reported that she owed the lives of her two sons to their caretaker. Across town and unable to protect her babies herself, she was overwhelmed with gratitude when she found her boys alive thanks to the care provider who crouched down and held them out of harms way.

Other news outlets have shared the story of Becky Jo Evans, a first grade teacher at Plaza Towers Elementary, who moved as many of her kids to safety as possible before taking their lives into her own hands. Being in the direct path of the EF5 tornado, Evans had little time to react to the storm, but quickly began moving her students into a nearby bathroom. As the winds picked up and the walls caved in, she knew she was out of time and jumped on top of the remaining students to protect them the best she could.

In perhaps one of the most heartwarming accounts of events that took place at Plaza Tower Elementary, fellow teacher Rhonda Crosswhite was thanked by a fourth grade student whose life she helped to save. Crosswhite, a sixth grade teacher, did everything in her power to protect not only her students, but all the children of Plaza Tower as the raging storm hit the school. Damian Britton, a fourth-grader whose brother is a student of Ms. Crosswhite’s, found himself stowed away in the bathroom with her and her class. When Britton thinks back on the event, he credits his brother’s teacher with saving his life. “She was covering me and my friend Zachary. We told her we were fine because we were holding on to something and then she went over to my friend Antonio and covered him. She saved our lives.” Yesterday morning, when Britton was reunited with Ms. Crosswhite and given the opportunity to thank her, he was speechless and teary eyed as they embraced each other and didn’t let go.

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Apparently, the new trend this month is speed dating for skinny people. Yes, you read that correctly and no, sadly there is no punch line because this is not a joke. If you are heavier than the average woman, you need not apply because you wouldn’t even be allowed to attend. Except by heavier than average I mean below to well below the norm in this country, considering the average American woman wears a size 14 and the self titled “Skinny Minny” event boasted a pool of women between size 0 and 8. Don’t worry, though – not all attendees were blatantly discriminated against; if you are a man hoping to attend “Skinny Minny” speed dating, there is a come one, come all policy – size 8 pant size or under not required.

You may be wondering how I could have anything else to discuss for the remainder of this article, because surely I gave away all the terribly misogynistic details up front. I wish you were correct, but thanks to OnSpeedDating.com’s extreme levels of insanity, the size restriction is not the only offensive aspect of their event. The Huffington Post recently reported that the women who attend these dating events are asked to wear a name tag with their dress size on it. So, in the case that the men in attendance are even more narrow-minded and shallow than originally suspected, unsatisfied with the knowledge that any woman in the room is a size 8 or below, they can easily weed through those on the “larger” end of the spectrum to find their size-appropriate soulmate.

If you are anything like me, you may still be in shock, hoping beyond all hope that this is a hoax. Perhaps you are wondering how any decent human being could attend an event such as this, let alone admit to being the brainchild behind it. However, the dating site experiencing their fifteen minutes of fame completely defends their decision to host a matchmaking event based on weight by saying, “We all have relationship ‘deal breakers‘ and that does not make us shallow, we’re just single New Yorker’s that know what we want and are attracted to.” I hope single New Yorker’s everywhere are outraged that they have been lumped into this exclusive group; like the secret society to which you never hoped to be admitted.

Just in case you were worried that a beautiful, kind-hearted, intelligent, size 10 catch of a woman might, by some chance, slip through the cracks and be admitted to the event, subjecting herself to the madness at hand, have no fear. The good people working for On Speed Dating have vowed that they would never let that happen. “Guys, no need to worry about meeting a biggie-size chick ‘down-sizing’ to an 8 like when you’re dating online. We’ll be checking labels at the door,” they proclaimed. THANK GOD! For a minute I was really worried about the integrity of this event being upheld.

“Biggie size chick.” I honestly didn’t know that grown adults who function at the minimum level necessary for social interaction such as dating used such immature, closed-minded, hateful speech. The people over at Dove must be having an actual cow right in the middle of their positive-body-image-loving offices because this event is the very antithesis of their real beauty campaign.  The idea that matchmaking and dating should be dictated by dress size breathes life into the worst ideals and notions that exist in our society, despite people dedicating their careers to disband them. While we are pouring our hearts into breaking stereotypes and shedding light on real beauty, making strides to instill positive body image within all generations, it is unfortunate to realize that events like “Skinny Minny” dating exist, providing even the smallest amount of fuel to the negative body image fire. How anyone could think it is okay to discriminate women based off of their “larger” dress sizes and market others based off of what they consider a more “desirable” waistline is beyond me.

The most disturbing part is that there must have been women who signed up to attend this event; to get dressed up and go meet these men who, first and foremost, are fixated on their body type, prioritizing it over their brain. Just like most of us, I am not always supremely happy with my body, but I am healthy and happen to fall within the required (and, once again, ridiculous) parameters of this date night. However, I would rather sit in the desert and eat sand than meet men while being made to wear a “Hello My Name Is Size 4” name tag; men who came to meet me because they knew I would fit a specific mold and men who would choose not to meet some amazing single women I know, on many accounts women more amazing than myself, all because they were not my size.

Some of the most loving, wonderful, successful, beautiful women that I am lucky enough to call my friends and family have a tag in the back of their pants that reads size 8 or above. I also consider myself blessed to have ladies in my life whose hearts are ten times the size of their waistline. Do you want to know why my nearest and dearest run the gamut of shape and size? Because our personalities are not directly related to our body type and our feelings of self-worth or ability to be desired by a partner shouldn’t be either. Sure, we all have preferences and pre-conceived ideas of what our significant other may look like but, as human beings, we also have this incredible ability to love people for what really matters when we enter into dating and life with an open mind; even when certain parts of our culture try to narrow our vision. The idea that you might not be able to fall in love with another person, find your perfect match because they fall outside of a physical ideal, is absurd.

It isn’t just that I thought we had evolved as a society, it is that I know we have. By no means are we perfect or wholly accepting, but we have certainly made significant headway in regards to a woman’s self-worth not being defined by her waistline. Therefore, I must resign to the hope that this is simply an unfortunate sign that a select few have been unable to keep up with the progress and that the negative reaction by many proves we are no longer turning a blind eye and perpetuating a weight obsessed culture.

Do you think we have made progress on defining real beauty in our culture? Tell me what you think about real beauty and the concept of “Skinny Minny” dating.

Feature Image via Shutterstock

The post “Skinny Minny” Dating: The Insane Search For A Size-Specific Soulmate appeared first on HelloGiggles.

You are actually offended when one of your friends doesn’t know what happened on Glee last night.

Except this general annoyance with the entertainment oblivious isn’t limited to Glee or those people lucky enough to call you their friend. It is pretty much an unwritten rule that you expect anyone with a pulse that comes in contact with you to know who got voted off what shows, laugh when you quote that hilarious joke from Modern Family and completely understand when you parallel your latest relationship to something that happened with Nick and Jess or Jim and Pam. You can also name more members of the Kardashian Klan than former presidents and have voted for more contestants on The Voice than you have for political candidates over the years. Needless to say, your reality television line-up takes commitment (especially after squeezing The Rachel Zoe Project back into the schedule) and you even became borderline concerned when you added Married To Jonas and What Would Ryan Lochte Do? to your repertoire. We all understand a little old school Jonas Brothers allegiance, but Mr. Lochte is the trainwreck you just can’t turn away from. Thank god for DVR or it would be impossible to keep up.

You consider E! News the real news and you get all other ancillary information required for adult conversation from twitter or The Today Show, to which you show favoritism mainly because you love the fourth hour with Hoda and Kathie Lee.

You also consider the E! Red Carpet Series to be investigative journalism at its finest. In all reality, 95% of the accounts you follow on social media are some extension of the television shows you watch, celebrities you feel you relate to or endless magazine subscriptions you insist on keeping; your coffee table is beginning to resemble the waiting room in a doctor’s office. You do follow the traditional news outlets though. After all, they are always the first to report on the happenings at The White House and Beyoncé has been known to sing there!

Your vanity, closet and cupboards are filled with brands built up by Hollywood’s Hot 100.

Seriously, you are the reason that marketers spend billions of dollars every year on famous representation. Shampoo? L’Oreal, duh! Lea Michele easily convinced you that you could have hair like hers. Your water is probably of the smart variety (who doesn’t want their H20 to make them look like Jennifer Aniston), Pepsi and Coke are in a major battle for your purchase with Queen B and Taylor Swift in their respective corner’s and you recently bought a pair (maybe a couple pairs) of Keds, a shoe you haven’t looked twice at since second grade, all because of Miss Swift’s glowing recommendation. This is just the tip of the Hollywood heist over our everyday consumables, but it is safe to say that if it is celebrity endorsed, you are a sucker for testing it out at least once.

The post 6 Signs That Pop Culture Rules Your Life appeared first on HelloGiggles.

Friedman and her sister Ariela have long had a passion for music, both guitar players with a strong affinity for singing and songwriting. During the summer of 2008, the duo decided to use their proficiency for music to spread a special type of love to sick children in their hometown of Baltimore. As a result, Music Is Medicine, a youth-run organization that strives to empower musicians to use their talent to give back, was born.

The first lucky recipient of the Friedman sisters entrepreneurial kindness was the Hackerman-Patz House, a facility that provides a home away from home for children and their families who have come from all over the world to receive therapy and limb-lengthening surgery. After receiving a $500 dollar grant from John Hopkins University, the Friedman girls were able to donate instruments, perform for the residents, host songwriting workshops and produce an album comprised of original songs all inspired by and written for the children of the Hackerman-Patz House. A summer spent helping children to heal through music and the ultimate production of A Friend Like You, proved that with a little money and a great deal of compassion and drive, wonderful acts of philanthropy can make a significant impact. The fat lady didn’t sing, however, at the close of summer in 2008 as the Friedman sisters were inspired to find ways to continue making melodies for the children.

Music Is Medicine has consistently grown into what is quickly becoming a nationally recognized campaign in just a few short years. In 2009, Leora and Ariela were awarded a $3,000 Key Change Grant from the Do Something organization and the Grammy Foundation, allowing them to fund another full summer of programming at the Hackerman-Patz House, culminating in a second album, When You Wish Upon A Star. In 2011, Leora Friedman was selected as a Global Teen Leader for her work as co-founder and CEO of Music Is Medicine, expanding their reach and exposing thousands more to their campaign of kindness. As rapidly as the word got out, the volunteer offers rushed in; teens and youth groups from all over the nation have contacted Leora to find out how they can start chapters within their communities, proof that kindness spreads like wildfire.

Today, Leora and the Music Is Medicine team work with a national staff and group of interns to spread love through music from coast to coast. The organization has raised over $11,000 and focuses on two main initiatives: Donate A Song Project and Music For Change Campaign. The Donate A Song Project allows musicians to write a song for a pediatric patient, often performing it for them in the hospital in which they are confined due to their illness. Songs are later recorded and made available for purchase worldwide with 100% of the proceeds going to medical-related charities. The Music For Change Campaign represents a grassroots effort to encourage musicians to use their natural gifts and passions for positive change. Through the campaign the team hopes to inspire people in all musical fields to donate their talent, allow their love of music to empower them to give back to their communities. While each project is unique, both give those with a love of music an opportunity to use the gifts they were given to give back.

When asked what inspired her to use her personal passion to start Music Is Medicine, Leora explained that she grew up learning about the terrible hardships young children were forced to face everyday when diagnosed with life threatening diseases. As she discussed her father’s work as a pediatric oncologist, Friedman recalls, “I did not have a medical degree, but I knew how to use what I love (music) to brighten their lives and that meant the world to me.” It is very apparent that Friedman has shown us all that you do not need a doctorate to make a difference in the lives of critically ill children. In fact, it may be those with a great musical knowledge and no medical know-how that offer the most kindness and joy in times of sickness and hardship.

The post Kindness Uncovered: Princeton Student Professes Music Is The Best Medicine appeared first on HelloGiggles.

Bishop Watterson High School, an educational institution that prides itself on teaching its students love, acceptance and tolerance, acted with grave hypocrisy last week when they fired long-time physical education teacher Carla Hale. After 19 years of service, this committed educator was forced out of the gym for what the school board cited as “immoral behavior.” When we dig a little deeper, however, we learn that what the leaders of this school consider immoral is the fact that Hale committed her life to a woman; the immoral behavior was being gay.

Sadly, Hale’s mother recently passed away, her obituary appearing in the local paper. With these words, the school and members of the community became knowledgeable of the fact that their beloved faculty member was a lesbian, her partner’s name being cited as part of the family. Upon returning to the school that preaches love, Hale would feel anything but warmth. Rather than sympathy for her mother’s passing, she was offered discrimination and termination after an anonymous parent wrote a letter to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus expressing that she was appalled that Hale’s partner’s name was listed in her mother’s obituary.

It is hard to imagine that this is still the world we live in. I am personally appalled that people are still appalled with other’s choices in who they love. While my blood pressure boils at the incredibly hypocritical, intolerant, heartless behavior of the faculty and parents at Bishop Watterson, the students have taken the high road; they have proven that many among us, including younger generations, have evolved into kinder human beings that are accepting of one another. The BWHS students have looked past all the anger and focused on their opportunity to right a wrong, offer immense kindness in honor of a teacher that has given them so much.

Upon learning of the events that had taken place, senior Zac Simmons jumped at the chance to support his teacher, quickly garnering support from classmates. Within days, members of the BWHS student body could be found protesting the school board’s decision in front of the Diocese, hoisting signs with inclusive messages of “Come Together”, “Honk For Hale” and “We Are All Children of God.” In addition, a petition to reinstate Hale was launched on change.org, garnering nearly 116,000 signatures to date. When asked about the campaign and why supporting Hale was so important, Simmons expressed that he just knew it was the right thing to do, answering, “Miss Hale was a great teacher at Bishop Watterson, she was a good friend of mine and she loved all of her students. She would always be there for us and I just want to be there for her.”

Fellow senior Grant Stover further solidified what a wonderful mentor and role model Hale has been when he was asked what the goal for the protests were and responded with, “To see her get her job back would be the number one goal. We just want her to know that we support her and we’re always behind her.” It is clear that the unique bond formed with an inspiring teacher breeds loyalty, kindness and the desire for positive social change.

In the last few days, former students of Hale’s have come forward to inform the public what a “wonderful teacher” and “amazing role model” she was. She has been described as compassionate and understanding by graduates who have also made it a point to announce the embarrassment they feel in regards to their alma mater’s actions. Support for Hale continues to poor in from young adults whose lives she deeply touched, moving us to further understand unfortunate and unnecessary actions of the school board.

People argue that hate and intolerance are taught, learned behaviors from role models. In many cases I believe that to be true. In this case, I applaud the students at Bishop Watterson for understanding the difference between right and wrong even though the “right” that they have vowed to stand up for goes against the “right” that their leaders have tried to instill. When a group of young people take it upon themselves to fight for human rights against a singular institution’s outdated moral codes, we all must have faith that our society is headed in the direction of acceptance.

The kindness that came from Miss Hale’s students after injustice had been served up by the school board is heartwarming. It is in these moments that we must put our anger over intolerance aside and express appreciation to those people committed to making a difference; admiration and thanks to Carla Hale for being the type of educator who inspires her students to make a difference in the world and  well-deserved recognition and praise to the teenagers who offered kindness in the face of institutionalized hate. The world could use more of you all.

Feature Image via Fox 28 Columbus.

The post Kindness Uncovered: Ohio Teacher Fired For Being Gay, Students Rally To Show Support appeared first on HelloGiggles.

Yes, you read that right. It has been nearly six decades since the Supreme Court ruled that separate was not, in fact, equal; apparently, not everyone got the message. The integration of races was not necessarily a notion accepted by all at the time of the ruling, but we have evolved as a people since then, for the most part realizing the error of our ways. Many argue that inequality and racism still plague our society in various ways and they would probably be right; it is hard to boast a differing opinion after hearing that actual segregation is still being taught and accepted. Until four teenagers took matters into their own hands, separate but not equal was still a way of life for the small southern county thrust into the spotlight. Until this year, 59 years after our leaders declared that racially segregated schools were inherently unequal, WCHS students attended two separate proms; one for white students and one for black students.

In recent months, the school board was approached by the president of the Georgia chapter of the NAACP about the way the school dance was being handled, inquiring about a more inclusive solution. It was clear that integration was not a top priority as their attempt at a solve was to survey the students over the coming months in hopes of brainstorming a school sponsored solution for the following year. While it seems the administrators were apathetic, four senior members of the student body refused to stand by and wait for the school to right the wrong, sit idly by and forfeit their opportunity to experience this teenage right of passage with their best friends. And so, the campaign for WCHS integrated senior prom began.

The now famous foursome of friends – Stephanie Sinnot, Mareshia Rucker, Quanesha Wallace and Keela Bloodworth – had a simple motivation to put an end to the segregation of this much anticipated event: Sinnot and Bloodworth are white while Rucker and Wallace are black. If they wanted the chance to go to the prom together, they would have to find a way to host their own integrated event. Like all good social pioneers of today, the girls started by creating the “Integrated Prom” Facebook page. The mission was simple: to raise funds to support the dance they dreamed of and ultimately, make a difference in their community. The popularity of the cause and the account quickly skyrocketed, culminating in nearly 29,000 “likes” and a successfully integrated senior prom; a night that will, no doubt, become the highlight of many classmate’s high school careers.

One prom attendee raved about the night saying, “This was amazing, this has been completely surreal. I am content and happy.”

It was reported that an equal number of black and white students signed up for the WCHS integrated senior prom. There was no negative backlash among the students, nor did anyone openly decide not to attend prom due to the integration. In fact, the prom pioneers have received thanks and admiration from younger members of the student body, recognizing them for the impact that they have made on the school and community. When asked what their favorite part of prom night was, both Wallace and Rucker were quick to state it was the unity circle and toast during which all the students came together, danced and took time to reminisce. It would seem as if love, acceptance and sincere appreciation were the result of the integration that was previously being prohibited.

A classmate of the friends, while summing up what everyone has been thinking, was quoted as saying, “Everybody goes to school together, sits together at lunch, now we’re at prom together. This is south Georgia, it’s not something you see everyday. It’s about time people start recognizing.”

Thanks to the conviction of four best friends, the school board has reportedly put it on their agenda to discuss holding a school sponsored event of the same nature next year. Sinnot, Rucker, Wallace and Bloodworth have proven that standing up for what you believe in, for what you know is right even when it isn’t what is being taught, can cause social change. They have shown us that enough love and conviction can drive out even the most unfathomable and outdated notions. They are forcing people to recognize.

Ladies, I hope you had the time of your lives at your integrated prom, a well deserved celebration for standing up for what you believe in. As students, you taught a valuable lesson to thousands of people across the nation, including the educators in your hometown. Love has no color and love always wins in the end.

Feature Image via Integrated Prom

The post The Students Become The Teachers: Georgia High School Seniors Host Integrated Prom appeared first on HelloGiggles.