Chance encounter at gas station leads to an unlikely friendship

Bethany Lowe told Joe Buckner he was the first Black friend she'd ever had after being taught that "you don't mix races."
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[@peacefulasschic6321]

“Too many people are having conversations with the intention of changing someone’s mind instead of understanding their heart.” That was very profound. 💖

[@Jen-lc5yc]

❤ this comment❤

[@sh0t0kan]

That was perfectly said.

[@mildredmorine745]

Peaceful Ass Chic, when they try changing who you are what you think its time to move on, we should be in the frame of mind to agree to disagree. We all thought the same the world would be so boring.

[@mpakempake3235]

Correct 💯

[@NAJILife]

indeed

[@rebeccastafford1759]

So wonderful that she called him her FIRST black friend instead of her only black friend. Her word choice shows that she has changed to her core.

[@nevergonnabesilent]

excellent point. i didn't catch that and i'm black :)

[@amandaforeman7441]

Yes!! That one word was profound!!❤

[@EileenFields]

Frfr!

[@cilliastilesbrumblecadenas6943]

Most beautiful story I've ever heard. I'm a white 53 year old, while my best friend of eight years is a black 67 year old black man. We met walking into a grocery store... God is GREAT all the time.

[@okiesailor5417]

A special young lady for wanting the cycle of hate to stop with her. He is a special gentleman also.

[@roliver3165]

I experienced this a lot in the Air Force. I served with many white guys from small racist communities that struggled after getting to know black people like myself they really liked, respected and could count on if they ever needed help. I could see it hurt them that they had been taught such hurtful bigotry growing up.

[@aikighost]

Yeah I heard a lot of similar stories of white GIs that came back from Vietnam to small hick towns and were sickend by the "background radiation" of racism they had not really thought about before after fighting and suffering alongside African American troops.

[@allamaraine8066]

@@msqueen3513 It’s a beautiful thing. Both of my folks served for over 20 years. My dad was a white dude and my mom is a Southern black woman - they rubbed shoulders with and befriended all types, they hated war but had/have tremendous respect for their fellow soldiers, and all of that gets passed down to army brats. It takes a cold soul to live with and depend on people from every corner of the planet and come out of the experience a bigot. I’m glad my parents taught me the right way.

[@blipsmann1985]

Same with LeBron James being racist towards whites from how he was raised in a all black community. Works both ways. We are all one thing, “human” !!!!

[@86crud]

Yes, exactly. It’s hard too explain sometimes when you come from a vicious family and you start to learn better. My great grandfather and Lester Maddox were dear friends. I had to tolerate Maddox’ presence from time to time clear up to my great grandmother’s 90th birthday. Every time I saw him I had spent the time between learning something else horrifying about him. I know one thing, I don’t belong in this family, neither do my children.

[@jaeehovaa]

@@blipsmann1985 when has LeBron been racist towards whites lmao 😂.

[@glee_again2594]

Loved that ending …him: “and some people are gonna hate it” Her: “bless their little heart.”😂❤️

[@saniquekonneh3396]

Golden

[@jhudgins8220]

It's so humble to see people feel the moment and believe in each other

[@ICatDocsports]

"Too many people try to change people's mind rather than trying to understand their heart" - Wow, this man is so deep, so wonderful.

[@StinkyGreenBud]

"Bless their little hearts." As a Southern, I had to chuckle at that line. Great story. The news needs to run more stories like this. Instead of all the chaos that is thrown at us.

[@weeardguy]

Second that. We used to have a daily newsbroadcast in The Netherlands that always ended with either a funny or very positive article (and was a female-anchor only program by the way). But besides the broadcaster getting rid of almost all familiar hosts in one go, they also seem to have gotten rid of the positive ending to every broadcast. I since stopped watching.

[@rojamillerover]

Racism is taught

[@mikechrisscorpio.2659]

I Wasn't Taught Racism It's Something That I Truly Believe In!

[@Axel-yz2zr]

​@@mikechrisscorpio.2659 Racism doesn't exist

[@TheRevolutionaryMan4614]

@@mikechrisscorpio.2659 hahaha, you wouldn't believe in it if you weren't taught

[@Adolphin1]

​@TheRevolutionaryMan You can learn things by doing your own research.

[@skyh2394]

Racism is in fact not taught tho Live 10.000 years with people that looks just exactly like you, then one day you meet another group of certain people who look way effusive than you. Y'all gonna start killing each other. Thats what happened with human history buddy.

[@jnieswartz4878]

“I’ve never connected like this with a black person” I respect her honesty

[@bluecollarscholarmelrosepa5673]

I respect her honest words also....like she said she was raised not to like Black PEOPLE😉..ps Miss Swartz you take a lovely photo...saying hello from Melrose Park Illinois 🇺🇸 USA

[@andrewcruz3837]

Let me connect to your instagram

[@Hunter-ux3jq]

@@andrewcruz3837 W rizz

[@jash6105]

exactly. took a lot of courage to say that. some would ridicule and make her feel stupid for saying something like that, but its her truth.

[@sirij8784]

@@andrewcruz3837 lowkey I thought the end was them hooking up and becoming a couple. I was like well thats one way to change ones mind lol

[@mxgirl918]

I'm glad Bethany had this eye-opening experience. She can now teach her kid to be better and not pass on the prejudices that she had been taught when she herself was a kid.

[@mobutter2879]

Perhaps in return, he will teach her how to speak English.

[@Heyguhh]

@@mobutter2879 huh?

[@markuss4133]

She really doesnt seem to be the smartest cookie

[@Adolphin1]

Wanting to breed with your own only isn't prejudice.

[@mackenzieperkins8427]

​@@markuss4133 may I ask why you think that?

[@chendab.6125]

The cycle stops with her ❤❤

[@mikechrisscorpio.2659]

And Start Again With Her Son 👍

[@Thomas4721h]

​@@mikechrisscorpio.2659 I doubt it! No one is born an asshole.

[@stizan9185]

@@mikechrisscorpio.2659 The cycle starts when black people will be racist to her white son probably

[@Death_the_Kid]

​@@mikechrisscorpio.2659You think the least of your own gender, how interesting 🤔

[@imanoldurango8213]

@@mikechrisscorpio.2659it’s pretty hard to be racist in a college town

[@michellee7186]

If we could only just talk, understand and get along with one another, the world would be a better place. Beautiful story😊

[@Odin33356]

Ok purge boy

[@cbgbstew4072]

@@Odin33356 wtf

[@Odin33356]

@@cbgbstew4072 stp

[@Odin33356]

NTC

[@Odin33356]

Ccc

[@RumbleGuts]

"The cycle breaks with me" Atta girl!❤

[@brucewilson1958]

I'm a 69 year old American man living in Des Moines, Iowa. This is a truly splendid story and friendship! I'm white. On my birthday a few weeks ago my Black Friend of 30 years surprised me with strawberries, chocolate, and a gift card. It had been a while, too long. But, we caught up on things. How do you heal racism in America? White People...reach out to a Black Person in Love and Friendship. Invite them to your home. Share life stories. Black People? Accept that invitation. One friendship at a time.

[@tamarar.4642]

Thank you for that beautiful story! I’m black and my best friend is white. I admitted to her when we became comfortable with one another my guard was up when we first met. I’ve experienced racism a lot and still do. Our daughters became best friends because my daughter stood up to someone bullying her daughter. Our first play date she treated me like a sister! SHE HAS NEVER CHANGED. She has faced some racist moments with me as well. She stood strong and didn’t back down. We can talk about anything. I watch her kids so she can have a date with her husband and she does the same for me. It’s amazing the best friendship of my life came from a beautiful soul only after letting my guard down.

[@ReadyorNot811]

Sometimes I try to imagine how life must be so much different for white people. I don't think I can even fathom it. Especially if they are wealthy or have connections.

[@brucewilson1958]

@@ReadyorNot811 Hi Ms. Bee. Life is difficult for everyone. We all share this. I grew up the Son of the Preacher. The Churches He served around Iowa always had a house for the Preacher, so we had a house. But, money was tight. Farmers donated meat and Church Ladies donated home canned goods. My Mom canned fruits and vegetables. I had decent clothes and shoes but not many. My Dad grew up Poor in Kansas. My Mom, a little better off in Ohio. Having Money has advantages, even 20% left over at the end of the year. Yet, everyone has to deal with self doubt, loneliness, grief and lose, anger, disappointment, addiction often, to something,...these challenges are Universal. You are in my prayers.

[@Jokent16dec63]

@@brucewilson1958 Mr. Wilson..... First, I doubt there is any relation , but my mother was born a Wilson. Secondly, I kindly appreciate those words of wisdom. I wanted to reply, my words seem to fail me sometimes. I was born in 63 and I didn't grow up rich either. My mother grew up picking cotton and guess what, she's white. No one believes white people picked cotton, all my family did. Anywho, my mother and dad worked hard to provide for us children. There were 7 mouthes to feed. We took 2 vacations my whole childhood. Those were to only visit 2 older children that happened to be stationed somewhere state side. If he had to spend money, it didn't happen. I do not understand why, because we are white, we have "connections or we're wealthy". My mother and dad worked hard, 12 hours a day while us kids looked after the other. Not to mention, my dad was born in 1914 lost his mother at a year old due to the flu like sickness. My grandfather and had 7 or 8 more kids. My dad saw the great depression, went to war. Got a job. Wow... Comments of ignorance bothers me. You have a very blessed day. God bless you. How did your parents do it?. They called it work and by the skim of their teeth, not the color of our skin.

[@ifo7319]

It doesn’t matter what race you are if you’re wealthy and have connections. I can’t imagine what that’s like either and I’m paler than snow. It’s all about class and that’s not at all limited to one race-in fact Asians are the wealthiest in the US, to say nothing about the broader world.

[@Blessed.2.Teach.4God]

Dude seems sooo wise & disciplined with a perfect love.

[@angeladavis2010]

Hatred, intolerance, and bigotry are taught and therefore able to be unlearned. Bethany's son has a great chance thanks to his mom. Bless you all❤ keep teaching😇🥰

[@Dee-fp5ti]

Joe has a sparkle ❇️ in his eyes that will make anybody like him. What a beautiful friendship.❤❤

[@mikechrisscorpio.2659]

That "SPARKLE" Is Called LUST! It's Disgusting To See A BLACK MAN Who Has Made A Terrible Decision Befriending This Woman WiTH EVIL INTENTIONS Her Son's Name Clearly States What Type Of Person She Is!

[@battlehymnoftheempath3610]

Amazing that he is a full-time business owner after being incarcerated and homeless. What an amazing person.

[@pslay9324]

Hey Mister, You are not in jail now. You are an important member of society. You made it sir!!❤❤

[@alexoman177]

This is a deeply heartwarming, life-educational story. And the production focused on them both, their words. Best thing I've watch on KZbin in weeks.

[@aya9af]

Hope you have a great week Alex 🌞

[@kbcakes6918]

Loved her honesty. Great story.

[@emmaburley5374]

Omg I love this friendship!! Good on her for breaking the cycle. She now has a friend for life! ❤️

[@mikechrisscorpio.2659]

And A Nice Bank Account To Go With It!

[@btrueeth]

​@@mikechrisscorpio.2659 What?

[@btrueeth]

He also responded positively to her. He says that if had he responded to her the way he would normally have, then there won't be a friendship.

[@davefitts3272]

We need more stories like this, period.

[@tobyrose6906]

The World. Needs to Know this. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@midghiro734]

No we don't

[@iBeReaper]

@@midghiro734 no actually we do. What we don't need is more little cunt like you who do nothing but troll. Just fuck off and go do something meaningful

[@OsceolaNola7]

White people need to teach love instead of hating the people that they COME FROM.

[@jennifert2953]

Come on now!!! Great stuff! God bless!

[@loannealford1113]

I love this story. So inspiring for all of us to learn.

[@RUTHLESSambition5]

She named her kid Aryan😂😂😂 Good lord

[@bunkertons]

​@@RUTHLESSambition5Yea, that really shocked me. I'm glad she's ashamed of it now.

[@ragetobe]

I know she found it hard but she was articulate in explaining a change within and I’m here for that.

[@melindam4841]

Compassion exemplified. Goosebumps at the enlightenment. So proud of this young woman for opening her heart and realizing that friends are so multi. I want to hug them both and myself for the good realization. Love you guys. I am with you.

[@jenkintudor4343]

Awesome story! And very well produced.

[@ThouzandWattz]

I've been going through a lot of stuff lately... I needed to see this. 😌😌

[@davidsandberg7631]

I do not hate your story but think it is great that you both took time to listen and learn. slow to anger quick to for give...

[@rshrsh5420]

Growing up I was taught that "What you are is your parents fault, and if you stay that way it's your fault". I am glad they broke through all those barriers that people put in front of them.

[@born2doitright]

She is a genuine sweetheart!

[@TheDylls]

What an open discussion between two such open people! We need more people like this in the world, Inshallah

[@vanessamilton82]

In Sha Allah eyes and hearts will be opened.

[@TheDylls]

@@vanessamilton82 the word is not one that's a part of either my language or religion, but I think I grasp its meaning and it seemed appropriate here... Hope this comes across as cultural APPRECIATION and not appropriation 😜❤️

[@vanessamilton82]

It means God Willing in Arabic

[@TheDylls]

@@vanessamilton82 That's what I thought. Thanks! (Do I need to capitalize the word? I didn't think so, but I wasn't sure...)

[@vanessamilton82]

Some do and others don’t, I do it how I learned it

[@kellyclark2422]

It's not about the race of a person. It's about the person inside

[@agape2001]

People who don't "look alike" can find common ground, friendship and even love when they're open to it. Open minds can lead to open hearts.

[@psyckchyck]

I am sobbing. If I could possibly get past my initial reaction, like he says, "...how I normally would've responded...," I would love that. But my pure disgust and rage when confronted with the YTs like that is like a fiery scream tearing through my veins. I wish I was more peaceful and patient at times. This is how I would love to initiate change. Maybe this man's actions might change more than just the one young woman and her son's path. Might teach me to be more compassionate and have more of an open heart, and probably a few others. 🤷🏾‍♀️🤞🏾

[@Lord_Vadr]

Joe’s doing a great service for the community and himself. Beautiful to see someone flip a bad start on its head like that.

[@brandondodd3133]

Love this story she said it well the cycle ends with me. We're all people trying to get by let's embrace each other and learn from each other bigotry doesn't help but spread more hate . Glad you guys are friends and teaching one another. Great story

[@moynur04]

Sometimes we all need to take a step back and listen to each other, so many barriers can be broken down. Lovely story.❤

[@bmilam5]

This is a beautiful story! HOWEVER, I spent 17 years in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and NEVER met a racist person. I saw, literally, dozens and dozens of interracial relationships and not once did someone say anything about them. Is there, at times, a racial awkwardness some people have? I guarantee it. But it’s not rampant and it’s not taught by 99.999% of anyone I have ever met. If she learned that behavior, shame on those who expressed those emotions. Racism, on any side, is abhorrent and one person is one too many. I hope these two have a wonderful future ahead of them and I hope the little one is shown all of us can get along and learn.

[@facE055]

yet go to any primarily black neighborhood and youll see rampant open racism against whites. stories like these are cringey because they give the impression that whites are just racists who need to meet a black man when the opposite is DRASTICALLY more common.

[@frankcastle3971]

Somethings are just ment to be when you meet certain people call it faith or what you want, but people are put in our paths for a reason. Great story and goes to show people can change for the better.

[@taydestiny38]

Well said!

[@denisewood1528]

My ex mil was racist. I'm from NY,she KY. I asked her 1 day, who would you rather be with, a white man who beat you or a black man who treated you like a queen? She said she didn't know. I knew her answer. I knew a white man there too. He used to be racist, I asked what changed your mind? While he served in Vietnam, he seen alot of death. He noticed a fellow soldier who was black, he was bleeding,he was bleeding red ,just like everyone else. That changed his mind and life. Respect comes in all shapes, size,race,color,sex,religion etc. What or how you use or demonstrate it,is up to you. Respect is earned,you can't give it away and expect people to return it the same way. Love shouldn't be color blind, neither should respect. Me personally would rather have a bf or be married to a man of color who loves me for me,respects me,is kind,caring,faithful, honest everything a man should be. Than a white man who beats,abuses,no respect,isn't kind,not loving etc.

[@midghiro734]

Hollywood story, equality 🤣🤣 nothing in this world is equal

[@Bert_de_Wit]

What a beautiful story!

[@ThunderPants13]

I think what we usually find out out about people who look different from ourselves is that when we get to know them as human beings, we're really a lot more alike than we are different.

[@djreese1885]

Share this all over more often. The world needs to see stories like this often

[@davidmoran3248]

Fantastic! 👍Great story! Thank you for sharing...

[@PatriciaKing-hr1sm]

These are stories that warm your heart ❤️

[@MTSpade]

I love how cute and innocent she is, like shes not trying to be racist, she wanted to get away from there and start believing in the good in ppl and actually change her thinking, glad they met

[@dwaynematteos5749]

This was best story of the day. So inspiring

[@sambarton202]

Very wise and kind man, thankful a chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful testimony that positive change can happen if people only listen more

[@blueturtle1719]

What an awesome story about Friendship. I think both Bethany and Joe were a Gift to each other.💜💕

[@ZanOrion]

I love your story. Hope I listen more, after hearing this!

[@zoebear1992]

I love their hearts 💖 blessings to you both!!!

[@ladyal9565]

Just tears of joy and blessing ❤

[@deardaughter]

This was awesome. Also, this was shot really well!

[@ls-kk4pq]

“Too many people are having conversations with the intention I’m changing someone’s mind instead of understanding their heart.” Beautiful words to live by.

[@thevapebugllc4083]

We are all God's children. It is Satan's plan to make us prejudice keeping us distracted from God's plan of salvation. ❤

[@jagbrit3723]

I think it was a tangible plan by certain factions of people that progressively instilled prejudice and racism, in the U.S. for instance, not Satan's plan. What you are seeing now is simply the effects of 400+ years of purposeful racialization. It is unreasonable and naive to expect it to just vanish, especially considering that there are still innumerable violations of civil/human rights today.

[@davoiceofreason7]

@@jagbrit3723... you speak truth friend... I was going to comment on the video, and went full commentary...

[@jagbrit3723]

@@davoiceofreason7 Cheers Chris. I have realized that certain factions in the U.S. (or beyond) actively shy away from accountability, or inspecting the genesis of negative occurrences today. Instead, they use inane props like the media, politicians (partially justified), Satan, etc. to explain the discord and disparities in society. It's like they want the lies and deflections to become the standard responses for ills of today. Or, they simply blame the victims of longstanding transgressions for their misfortunes. Rather disgusting or yank, if you ask me. Good weekend to ya mate.

[@perrycoffey5410]

Your "god" is a sadistic psychopath and which god are you talking about there's over 2,000 of these assholes

[@terancewright8894]

Your story was inspirational to me. I was at a dilemma in deciding to let a mechanic that proudly display a Confederate flag emblem on his vehicle work on my car. That flag represents two different things to him and myself. However he is a good mechanic and I really don't know him personally. After seeing these two interacting with each other and the mindset the black guy had about not being judgemental and be more inquisitive and her mindset changing after coming out of her bubble made me realize that my approach and how I interact with this older white male might have hope if I go in humble because my feelings and emotions are leading to easily judge this man's beliefs and character and I don't want to make him out to be something he may not be.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Great way to look at things. After all, if he turns out to be a lousy mechanic or too expensive you can always find a new one. But who knows what will happen if you go with the mindset you already have. To treat him decent and expect to be treated decent in return!

[@VanIyke]

Deep. Rich. Informative. Touching. A return to seeing each other through child like eyes.

[@jurrisaddler8427]

thanks for sharing this story, we need more like this. We can come together if we learn about one another.

[@janeneoliviere1160]

“The cycle breaks with me.” 😊

[@linadowning218]

I do hope she changes her sons name

[@edithlindemann3462]

Beautiful story with a great message.

[@mikephillips8648]

Share your story! You are both awesome people! God Bless!

[@andreagreen1133]

changing ingnorant minds starts with you and me this is so needed in our society

[@freddiemgraham3661]

What a beautiful blessing it is ❤love this story

[@sjk6097]

What a cool story, and two very accepting people. Alot could learn....alot from them both.

[@barbarashea1975]

Excellent piece of journalism. Thank you. Please show many more EVERYDAY. This journalist is living their purpose.

[@minniegoolsby8793]

How amazing 👏

[@RynoZ]

A year later and this is still impactful. Saving this video!

[@bobbyedwards-lg1gu]

This is how you should be with everyone you meet you never know what you will find with a chance encounter a best friend

[@Leele103]

Amazing thank you for sharing

[@mauryeetss3561]

Now imagine if she had this conversation with someone else besides him. They may have freaked out at her, and gotten angry at her when she didn’t know any better. People in small towns in the south often never leave and this is what they’re taught so they stick to it. We don’t need people just labelljng racists and getting angry. We need guys like this man who seek understanding and through their words and actions prove that race doesn’t tell you anything about the content of a persons character or their merits.

[@coffeeNlemoncheesecake]

These to people are meant to be friends. It's great to see barriers broken and just see two people being people and showing love. By actions

[@donaldklopper]

Bless your big hearts! From a very confused South Africa.

[@GiftFromGod4U]

Love ... it is the most POWERFUL thing. 🙏🏾💜🙏🏾

[@lesley.brennan10]

What a beautiful story so happy she let her guard down and could see that j7st because someone is a different colour from someone else don't mean they aint a good person much respect from Sydney Australia 👏 ❤️ 💙

[@robinswanson3974]

Bless thier little heart. Perfect

[@WindUpBird23]

This is a great story

[@jenniferquackenbush7458]

This is an awesome story. I wish there were more of both Bethany & Joes in the world. Joe’s decision to be curious instead of judge was a wonderful choice for both of them. 🫶 Keep spreading love & kindness!

[@alpanapatel4703]

Heartwarming ❤😊

[@AaronSmith-ed6lf]

Bless you&your son💐💖🫂

[@jmurry6695]

What a lovely lady and person.

[@waynemiller7692]

Many so many people need to hear and listen to that quote !!

[@avwholesomegamer]

When’s the last time you saw someone change their mind on anything whatsoever? The maturity this demonstrates is absolutely legendary.

[@geraldkneeland1498]

Praise God! God created us all and didn’t make us different to divide us but to unite in love for Him, each other and praising Him for creating such amazing creations! Hallelujah!

[@raphaeln3725]

What a story, spread love. Much respect to those 2 freinds.

[@Family4eva888]

Its scary to be taught to dislike someone because they arent like you😞 my family hurt me with this way of thinking..thank god for real people that have showed me different.

[@mado3623]

This is beautiful to see

[@girlygal098]

I hope she changes her son's name.

[@levithewonderdog335]

Hopefully if she doesn't he will when older!

[@regulator9268]

Wonderful reporting.

[@timothyshortnacy7550]

Too awesome!! Inspiring. Hopeful.

[@Levitus1]

Eventually humanity may reach this level but…. There is a whole lotta evil to be overcome first

[@nineiron1481]

It's "Generational". Racism sure is and the ONLY way to end is to stop teaching it to your loved ones!!

[@sgt.robertbauermajd1288]

Thank you ❤

[@glee_again2594]

This is beautiful.😭

[@dayo1026]

Great story. I sincerely hopes she changes her son's name while he is young enough not to remember it was Aryan.

[@ls-kk4pq]

Bless them both. If you meet in the middle, sometimes you can go farther than you ever thought you could.

[@TeeDee215]

So many ppl don’t have the courage to question anything outside of their ‘bubble’. Thinking and existing outside of the bubble is profound. How many things can be worked out and understood if we all ventured outside of our bubbles? Talking and listening with an open mind and heart changes everything.