Confronting history, to heal a nation

Attorney Bryan Stevenson, author of the bestseller "Just Mercy," has helped to save 145 wrongly-convicted prisoners from execution, but these days the man behind Montgomery, Alabama's National Memorial for Peace and Justice might be better known his other job: educating Americans about the legacy of slavery and racial violence in this country. Stevenson talks with correspondent David Pogue about confronting history as a first step in healing, and gives a tour of the brand new Legacy Museum in Montgomery.
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[@linguaphile42]

His book, Just Mercy, was a life-changing moment for me, just as the TV broadcast of Roots was when I was twelve. We have to seek these stories out, we have to listen and understand, and be changed by them.

[@jordanbrock8199]

Have you read the sun does shine? If not, just read!!

[@NC-qc7wd]

I visited the National Memorial for Peace, " lynching" museum and it's one of the most powerful places I have visited in my entire life, and I visited more than 60 countries in the world!!!

[@andreachung396]

same! i'll never forget it.

[@richmoves]

Much respect to Mr. Stevenson and CBS Sunday Morning for making me and many others aware of these places and their purpose, which I had no idea existed.🇺🇸💙

[@MISNM0]

💞

[@mililaniman]

I enjoy learning how Stevenson's efforts perpetuate peace and racial equality.

[@giyah6038]

If there can be a holocaust memorial site in Germany, we in the U.S. can have memorial site here to ensure we acknowledge our wrong doings (even indirectly by watching and doing/saying nothing) that caused such pains to soooo many. Acknowledging, apologizing, and taking actions to never allow such injustices on another human being is the only way to move forward…to even begin thinking and imagining what healing may look like. This is not a do-it-once and check it off our to-do list, rather an iterative and on-going effort on the part of each and every one of us. Thank you to those who use their knowledge and power to bring a change, and thank you to CBS for airing such segments.

[@DavidPogue]

That is an EXCELLENT analysis, Gi Yah... thank you. In fact, in our interview, Bryan made EXACTLY that point-If Berlin can host the Holocaust memorial, we should be able to handle a social-justice museum in Montgomery. I didn't have time to include that section in the story, but your minds are thinking alike.

[@giyah6038]

@@DavidPogue Appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. I’ve always enjoyed the stories you report on and appreciate your incredible story-telling techniques. Keep up the great work, and be well!

[@anthonyleone7662]

its called truth and reconcilliation

[@caroltakahashi6421]

Go see the Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles.

[@johnIZaUWL]

PREACH ✊️💜✊️

[@stevensong8784]

My dad said that you're incredible as we're walking out of theater after Just Mercy. Keep doing what you're doing. Mr. Stevenson. There are others who want to do the same, still, no one can replace your presence.

[@Mary-fv4bn]

He’s a national treasure. Priceless!

[@melissaroa6702]

Bryan Stevenson deserves a Nobel Peace Prize

[@plankface]

Hear. Hear.

[@mubay967]

Hear. Hear.

[@ladydeerheart1]

Agreed!

[@kindface]

Totally. But don’t hold your breath. That institution is part of the problem, imbued with perpetuating that “rich and guilty over the poor and innocent” injustice.

[@jordanbrock8199]

Amen

[@azusa9963]

I have never wanted to go to Alabama before and now l will plan a road trip there to visit this historic place and this museum. This man is a true hero and deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Thank you for covering this story.

[@everythingkaye]

Ditto Lily Bill

[@DavidPogue]

I love your comment, Lily, and I totally agree--you will never forget that visit to Montgomery. The museum and memorial are truly stunning.

[@marylee-anderson8793]

Acknowledgement is key

[@ifiokakpan2034]

Sir, I love the work you do. God bless you and your family.

[@janjust4205]

The job is justice- wow! If only we can get out of our shame & fear and acknowledge our dark past & ask for forgiveness & live with mercy💜

[@Charrisnemtblueprint]

If only...😪

[@annsmith7207]

Bryan: You may feel broken but your SPIRIT is not broken ....that comes from a power greater than yourself.... the grit, determination and fortitude .... to do the work that is in front of you to do. Please do not forget that ....your spirit is the instrument that will always get you through .....no matter what ! Just keep on keeping on ✨🌞✨

[@debbralehrman5957]

Amazing Thank you for covering this.

[@jennifersohn1]

See “True Justice” Produced by HBO and Kunhardt Films

[@carolsuesamuelson7935]

Thank you for this Memorial. Mr. Stevenson is a good man. Thank you CBS for bringing this to light.

[@dianeyoung8068]

This man is a hero. Please sync your audio with your video CBS Sunday Morning.

[@enguerranddemarigny]

My god ! As a French and a Nina Simone's music lover, seeing those stones hanging, it does remind me her rendition of Billie Holiday's "Strange fruit" 1939 song.

[@afrogirl757]

Of course France has its own need for mercy towards Jews and it's been imperialism in Africa and Caribbean. All people's need to humble ourselves. 🌍❤️

[@daranelson]

Thank you Bryan. Thank you.

[@minervagalvez5937]

"Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done," Bryan Stevenson.

[@ghostwood9174]

“Just Mercy” was assigned reading as a 1L at my law school. I’m now a prosecutor in Georgia and the book has had a powerful effect on how I practice. I highly recommend everyone read it.

[@jeffsilverman6104]

An impressive, dignified man to be admired.

[@patspencer5649]

Thank you and be well Mr. Stevenson.

[@gibranward6945]

Great information

[@Ed-uz6em]

God bless this man!

[@tobechukwuolumba7337]

Excellent reporting. Thank you, @CBSSunday.

[@jeanashchuchinov6593]

Such a awesome story! Everyone should know this history! It’s the best I have ever seen!! Thank you for bringing this to us!!

[@andreachung396]

Admirable and brilliant man. I wish to meet him one day.

[@jhje1139]

Thank you Sunday Morning!! You are starting to "see" others ...

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Thank you Mr. Stephenson… 🖖🏾

[@jamesl9371]

It’s like for an addict or alcoholic The first thing is to admit the truth Americans must admit the facts and history and then be healed

[@catspaw3815]

what exactly has not been admitted

[@jamesl9371]

@@catspaw3815 it’s in the news all the time. A whole lot of people don’t want the history of slavery and lynchings taught in schools. Sounds like an addict in denial and doesn’t want to face the facts

[@catspaw3815]

@@jamesl9371 you're dead wrong. slavery has been taught about in american schools for decades. and it has never stopped. are you honestly saying that government-sanctioned denial of slavery ever existing in the US is currently national policy? it sounds like you're a fact-deaf lefty who will twist truth to try to get your point across

[@jamesl9371]

@@catspaw3815 I never said it was National policy. In some states and school districts they are restricting the teaching of slavery and lynchings because it might “make white kids feel bad “

[@catspaw3815]

@@jamesl9371 okay. i see i'm up against the next poet laureate of the U.S. here y'are everybody...see what i'm up against - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmWmn3x7lL2Ljqs

[@charles_gracia]

This man really cares about the nation.

[@SeaTurtle515]

Excellent. What a noble man.

[@ebybeehoney]

I can't believe how important this is. Face it. Head on.

[@jennifersohn1]

See “True Justice” Produced by HBO and Kunhardt Films

[@lizabetx483]

May God continue to protect him and give guardian angels charge over him. God is a God of justice.

[@somalia2730]

Great man

[@blkprince198]

Brian is national Hero

[@daraf4981]

Inspiring work by Bryan Stevenson

[@VEGANSAM]

This man is the epitome of what our species can be... Period.

[@helensgirl7246]

My hero.

[@glmeyer227]

Nobel Peace Prize Nominee PLEASE! I learned of Mr. Stevenson many years ago and then randomly saw him at a graduation I attended with a friend at Mount Holyoke College in MA. I have followed his work since...What an inspiration and true peace warrior to all. America The Shameful must raise her head, look her past ugly deeds in the face, RECKON with them appropriately and become BETTER for us all. Thank you Mr. Stevenson for heeding this most important call.

[@orgrichard]

I grew up in South Carolina in the 1960’s. I remember hearing some of the older people of that time talking about some of these events and a lot of it being pretty gruesome.

[@andreachung396]

Go to the museum and memorial. It will change your life.

[@anonymoususer4376]

Kudos to Bryan Stevenson. THIS is teaching history and I would visit this museum if I'm ever in Montgomery. But make no mistake. This isn't CRT, rank your privilege, etc. that's going on in schools.

[@jamesl9371]

What a question. You can make a lot more money in a big firm. Typically Americans attitude. Money isn’t everything

[@dr.aniasara7038]

It's wonderful, I understand, believe me, and if we did it for all the people that have been enslaved, including women's suffrage, then in can be in the face of America enough to change. Because it's not just about one culture. History has many untold stories people don't want to deal with. I tell people I didn't learn history in school. I learned statistics of what they wanted to grade us on.

[@katdeluxy9608]

America was founded on black slavery, one of the ugliest and most violent chapters in human history, yes human history. We know slavery existed through out human history but not to extent of America. Until white Americans don’t realize that we will never be United.

[@_JanetLouise]

powerful

[@markraas78]

can we give this man his flowers and then put him in a bubble

[@janespitfire9884]

It is part of the history of America. Truth sometime hurts. Thank you Mr Stevenson!! It is still hard to be in America with black toned skin but certain folks make and survive it

[@sallycasas4170]

"The job is justice"

[@eatpigsnot]

The Innocence Files series on Netflix is a must see

[@TheCrotchetyoldwoman]

Why does this history shame America? Isn't it a story of a people growing and struggling toward a better nation? Isn't it the story of at least a partial triumph?

[@ocean1233]

STANDING OVATION ‼️👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@thomasopdahl1873]

with regards to our our history. In being America. If we aren't all of it. We aren't any of it.

[@rosalynw.otieno1994]

Well-said.

[@jeanettel4840]

Man, talk about doing something meaningful with your life!

[@pholland8353]

Mad respect for Brian Stevenson!

[@peacenow4456]

Huge respect for this man... huge. thank you for make something that can be seen! And felt. The Germans faced the truth about themselves and we can too. 4 white men who voted illegally in 2020 for GOP, and admitted it, got probation or 3 days in jail. Just last week, a Black woman who thought she was cleared to vote because she was a Felon, and YET never cast a ballot, got 6 yrs in prison in Tenn...

[@judytran3514]

I am caucasian and thank you. The attitude towards race needs to be seen and hopefully it will become irrevelant. A human being is a human being, nothing more nothing less.

[@srichey444]

"The only way for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing". We are in the Last Days before the return of Jesus Christ (which is evident by anyone with a brain & who reads The Bible.) A separation of the wheat and tares...time to stop sowing hate & division since God knows every heart. Every hidden thing. Or you will not see Heaven. 🤎🙏🏽✝️

[@shakeemwinn3647]

There will be no healing.

[@jennifersohn1]

See “True Justice” Produced by HBO and Kunhardt Films

[@jamesl9371]

What a question.

[@shuffleaccount1985]

YOUR NOT JUST AN AMAZING MAN YOUR...HOPE

[@shelabrooks3741]

@J M • I agree with your comments, but the teacher in me wants to make corrections. Both of the your spellings should be spelled you're.

[@drewhendley]

We may be an integrated society but emotionally we will always be segregated 😇

[@APG-fu6gk]

This is the representation of the African American experience. Never Forget. Racism is as American as Apple Pie.

[@moonshinefilms]

great american

[@jeanetteschock4744]

I'm losing hope for my country sorry

[@ladydeerheart1]

It's okay. We're ALL having "lost hope in my country" days these days. I'll hope enough for the both of us today. You have hope enough for someone else down the line. Just come back when you're ready.

[@travcat756]

RWNJ's need to face justice

[@mrquestion8398]

YOUR TEACHING CRT!!!! A LOT OF WHITE PEOPLE CANT STAND THE TRUTH!!!!

[@mbtvalli]

And maybe we can memorialize current day slaves: sex trafficking.

[@MISNM0]

That's a complex thing to bring to light but think it's worth exploring.

[@zaidamaganda]

Or enslaved people (many children) still producing cheap goods for global sale.

[@jasonpoyer9331]

Perpetuating division is tiresome

[@weston.weston]

I would rather if David Pogue wouldn't have brought humor to this story. It isn't a funny story, it is timely, critical, and serious. I know he is known for adding humor to his stories but this wasn't the segment for humor. Steve Hartman, Nancy Giles, Wes Cowan, or John Dickerson, would have brought natural reverence and appreciation to this story. For the record, Pogue is a good contributor but his brand wasn't a great fit for this story, imo.

[@DavidPogue]

Interesting point! I'm actually unable to find any humor in the story except for Bryan's own, where he said "Seems like EVERYONE told me I could be earning more money in a law firm!" Which I included in the story because it's a profile of the man-and he's actually a warm, funny person. I was hoping to show that side of him. (By the way: I'd been asking to do a Bryan Stevenson story for YEARS. This was my own idea, about a hero of mine that I think the world should know about. The story was not, in other words, "assigned" to me-I pushed hard to do it!)

[@weston.weston]

@@DavidPogue Thank you for responding Mr. Pogue. I appreciate your reporting. I am an Alabama native and racial justice is very dear to my heart.

[@t7489]

Pretty moronic or intentionally misleading for Pogue to lump all this in with crt

[@BellaFirenze]

CRT = Cincinnati Rapid System. I use it every day.

[@kkpenney444]

Pretty moronic for you not to get the connection.

[@civilwarexplained1403]

Oh . Boo Whoo Hoo.

[@jadesea562]

Memorialize something WE DID TO OTHERS? NO. This is why self hatred and depression is at an all time high. You are spreading these ideas as though people alive now should feel guilty. And weak minded people do. And that too is injustice in the waking moment. Why can't you people stop this madness already. Yes, remember the past so to not repeat it. But STOP GLORIFYING IT AND MAKING IT AS THOUGH WE WHO EXIST NOW ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.

[@WenD1908]

“You people”? Whatever argument you’re trying to make, just stop. Using the words, You People, will either put the listener on the defensive or cause someone to tune you out. Folks aren’t interested in having a conversation with someone triggered by a memorial to those who died violently just for being different.

[@n.chat5105]

Be aware, not guilty

[@brigittegarrett6977]

Why not have the same energy when the Halocaust is raised up from its past. Why don't they tell the jewish ppl to get over it. Anyone that has something awful done to them they become a national treasure, blacks mention slavery, the history of, being kidnapped, stolen, beaten, tricked, raped starved, packed on boats like animals, language removed, families seperated, children raped and men punished by the master by being raped in front of his family which he couldn't protect them or be killed or seperated. Used in Breeding farms. My mother asked me one day "did i know where the term Mother£√ck€r comes from?" Came from the breeding farms, they'd blindfold the woman and. the man and make a son have sex with his mother, therefore coining a phrase. 'mother-£√ck€r. Cause he was f'ing his mother. The atrocities we have been subjected to is always a poor subject cause some ppl think they should still be able to treat ppl of color like they're 3.5% human. And get away with it. And no one likes to be reminded of the awful crap that was done blacks, but any other race they're Martyred and celebrated. And movies made continuously on the subject, have u been indignant to those ppl

[@brutussmithers3777]

⭐️🇺🇸🗽TRUMP2020🗽🇺🇸⭐️

[@MrMatteNWk]

A little late, loser

[@brutussmithers3777]

@@MrMatteNWk prepare for the return of TRUMP🇺🇸🗽🦅

[@shelabrooks3741]

#Brutus Smithers • Hey 👋 MAGA rat. tRump will probably, and hopefully, will go to prison!

[@brutussmithers3777]

@@shelabrooks3741 🤣TRUMPwill haunt your dreams forever…

[@jarrodbarkley9061]

Yet another feature about black people. There's at least one every week.

[@catspaw3815]

I would like a memorial park constructed to honor all the innocents pushed in front of subway trains by African-Americans

[@ladydeerheart1]

Well, then, get busy making it happen. It's your goal. You obtain it. Just don't whine about it or say it on a random video just to prove your racism.

[@catspaw3815]

@@ladydeerheart1 you're funny shelley. what municipality do think would approve such a project? so you've labeled me a racist. do you deny that almost exclusively, the pushers are black? how about children in playgrounds caught in crossfire? maybe you're in denial about that too

[@brigittegarrett6977]

I would like you to wear the dunce hat for awhile longer. As you fall in front of a train and then lie and say a black person pushed u. Im sure there hasn't been 400 years of blacks pushing ppl in front of trai😢ns, 400 years of being treated like black is inferior and white is just precious, precious, precious and God only love white ppl. Not white in color, white in their head. It doesn't makes them better humans. ...When black ppl came to America they learned how evil these white devils were. Most of them not all, unless their friends was looking and they didnt want to seem like they might like black ppl. Count those black train track pushers of ppl up, it still is a low number compared to the freaky, raping, murdering and lying, train track pushers, white ppl.