A Change is Gonna Come

Throughout American history, there have been countless examples of individuals who have changed their political views to become more tolerant. In a country as diverse as the United States, it’s crucial for people to be open-minded and willing to learn from others, even if their beliefs differ. Here are just a few examples of Americans who have had a change of heart and became more tolerant:

1. C. P. Ellis was a former leader of the Ku Klux Klan in Durham, North Carolina. In the 1960s, he was known for his virulent racism and segregationist views. However, after meeting Ann Atwater, a black community activist, and working with her on a desegregation initiative, he began to see the error of his ways. Ellis became an unlikely ally to the black community, renouncing his KKK membership and dedicating the rest of his life to advocating for racial justice.
2. Megan Phelps-Roper grew up as a member of the Westboro Baptist Church, a group known for its extreme anti-gay and anti-Semitic views. As a child, she participated in protests and pickets that were often filled with hateful messages. However, after engaging in civil online discussions with people from different backgrounds and beliefs, she began to question her upbringing. She eventually left the church and became an advocate for empathy and understanding across ideological divides.
3. David Brock was a conservative journalist and author who made a name for himself attacking liberal politicians and causes. However, after a personal crisis that included struggles with substance abuse, he began to re-examine his beliefs. He publicly renounced his past views and founded the media watchdog group Media Matters for America, which works to combat misinformation and promote responsible journalism.
4. Derek Black is a former white supremacist who was once involved with neo-Nazi groups. It was only after he began attending New College of Florida that Black began to question his own point of view. Previously, he had been home-schooled, but suddenly he was was exposed to people who didn’t share his views, including a few Jewish students who became friends. Black’s new friends invited him over for Shabbat dinner week after week. Gradually, he began to rethink his views. After much soul-searching, a 22-year-old Black wrote an article, published by the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2013, renouncing white nationalism.
5. Daryl Davis is a blues musician who has spent years reaching out to members of the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups. He has formed unlikely friendships with many of them, including former Klan leaders, by engaging them in conversations and showing them compassion. His work has helped to humanize people who are often demonized and has led to many of his former foes renouncing their bigoted beliefs.

These individuals represent just a few of the many Americans who have changed their political views to become more tolerant. While the reasons behind their transformations are varied, they all share a willingness to learn, grow, and change for the better. In a world that often feels divided and polarized, their stories offer hope and inspiration for a more peaceful and accepting future.