Uncovering The Racism in Our School and Church | {THE AND} Evan & Melissa

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Son and mother Evan (he/him) and Melissa (she/her) have a poignant conversation about Evan's adoption and how it impacted their family and lives. Evan opens up about the racism he faced in school, while Melissa discusses how she viewed the small town she grew up in, her church, and the bible differently after the racism and judgement the family endured.
We'd like to thank Evan and Melissa for participating openly & vulnerably in our project. We appreciate what they've shared with us and hope you do as well.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Topaz Adizes
DIRECTOR | Nick D'Agostino
CAMERAS | Dane Benko, Ashika Kuruvilla, Nick D'Agostino
AUDIO | Tate A. Baltzly
PRODUCER | Nick D'Agostino
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS | Aaron Talib
SPECIAL THANKS | Secrest Auditorium, Red Rose Tattoo, Billy White, Kaylee Bash
WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF | Evan & Melissa
Uncovering The Racism in Our School and Church | {THE AND} Evan & Melissa
#TheSkinDeep #Adoption #Family

[@TheMckinsons]

This is what love looks like...and she was able to acknowledge all the trauma he went through and wants to take all his pain away and work through it with him. Just incredible.

[@sonquatsch8585]

white christians are going to be the ones who realize the betterment of race relations in the US is their struggle. among white christians i have been observing more grass roots race relations improvement, than among so-called liberal whites...white christians nowadays are having these conversations in their white communities, white churches and within their white families...liberal whites are just social warring.

[@Grace1708]

@@sonquatsch8585 Idk...she did say that she left her church because of how racist it was...

[@sonquatsch8585]

@@Grace1708 she left her church not her faith.

[@elizabethcobbins5631]

@@sonquatsch8585 White Christians can also be liberal… it’s about racism in general. Any white person can be racist. Said white liberal can be liberal in the name of feminism, but not race. They can be liberal in LGBT rights but not race. I have black family members who are apart of the LGBT community who say white LGBT people are so racist against black LGBT people …but those white people identify as “liberal”.

[@Inga912]

@@sonquatsch8585 The fight for racial justice and equality looks differently depending on who is advocating. To bash one group doing work is not productive. All issues need to be worked on from different angles. Also, Christianity isn’t the only religion that is working towards the issue. Just because you don’t see it first hand doesn’t mean it does not exist. I encourage you to be open to different viewpoints.

[@starbag6345]

Melissa LOVES her son so much. I'm a 33 year old black man and this made me cry. So beautiful. This young man must heal and be a warrior

[@courtneytomlinson2964]

You too!!!!! So much love and healing being sent to you King

[@itsojerald]

I 👍🏽 agree!!!

[@ahriahnamoon6237]

Im crying too

[@arlenelowe01]

❤️

[@KAIZORIANEMPIRE]

lol what's so brave about growing up with a parent in america? with good health? you want brave? surviving multiple grape in a war torn country lol, this idea that simply being human makes you brave looooooooool,

[@stephanieshelton5813]

See she's not just an adopted mom she's a mom period. See how she started crying immediately about the question " what experience you wish I never had" that was a mom respond, that's how most of us mom would respond to that question ❤

[@celiaedwards93]

Yes, she’s a beautiful Mommy.

[@aprilallen2601]

She definitely is just a mom loving her child. She would obviously jump in front of anything coming for him. This made me tear up.

[@bf1822]

Yes she's a nice mother, but the reality is he will face things that he will not be prepared for living in her world. He will be blindsided, because this country judge you on the color of your skin. Period. I hate that people hate. It's not fair..

[@diepiriye]

OK! I caught that, too. Plus, each time he presents a problem, she asks how he feels, rather than trying to solve it for him, as in rescue him. That reflects a much more mature form of parenting....not entertaining the drama triangle. Awesome.

[@jahmani7038]

A parent has to be in control of their emotion to go through such a process. This woman is an exceptional woman and parent, with a high level of intelligence/ emotional intelligence and empathy. I believe that all parents, not just those with adopted kids could benefit from a similar kind of sit down and have a deep non-judgemental conversation with their child/children.

[@Hanna4645]

The way she said "How do YOU feel" hit different. Parents usually ignore child's feelings. Good job

[@itsojerald]

I agree 👍!!!

[@ejwilliams2002]

Yes, I like that

[@HappinessTheBrand]

Damn when he talked about his friend not having a mom that could stand up for him...it hurts when your friend is down & you can't take away their pain. That's yo mans.

[@celiaedwards93]

He’s going to a great man because of his Mom.

[@92Kandee]

He didn't say his friend didn't have a mom; but rather the family was afraid to step up like his mother did since they had different skin colour. She was able to confront the school board bc she's white...

[@ultimatesportsmedicine4395]

@@92Kandee He didn't say in his comment that his friend was motherless

[@92Kandee]

@@ultimatesportsmedicine4395 that's what I said...

[@brandiwine4urmind]

Wow. They both have me teared up because they're both experiencing the ugliness of racism but from different POVs... yet the frustration and hurt is real to them both.

[@tightbrotha1]

You hit it out the park B W

[@watchingwatcher5821]

Also, Evan - I hear you on the not fitting in because you present differently to some of your fellow black peers but as time goes on, the more of the world you get to see and experienced you get to have, I promise you you will find people who accept you just as you are which is a brilliant, insightful, kind person.

[@pretaporterp]

Yes, the world is so much bigger than his small, narrow minded town. He will go on to great things!

[@TheMAMAB123]

This is soooo true! You eventually find your own village of people that love you as you are. ♥️♥️♥️

[@eternallyrising1673]

THIS. 🖤

[@heavenlybeautee]

PERIOD 💖

[@kidart1763]

This is also why representation in the media is sooo crucial. Black folks have been pigeonholed to fit into certain marketable boxes (aka negative stereotypes) in a white-centric world, since we have been allowed to be on-screen. For so long we have been taught that our value as musicians, rappers, artists of most any medium, solely depend on how well we can present as ghetto, thuggish, violent, hyper-masculine. Children are impressionable, and when Black kids see this provincial lens of existence, they often feel compelled to follow suit. Of course there are outliers, and the circumstances vary family to family and respectively, child to child, but it can be extremely easy to feel and be alienated as a Black kid who doesn't fit the mold. ESPECIALLY in a small town. Where I grew up, the few Black kids in my school were fighting for constant approval and threw themselves into a world of tokenization for the sake of acceptance. And I don't blame them -- its a mechanism for survival. I just couldn't do it. For me, though, it actually DID get better when I got to college -- there was a whole plethora of beautiful people from communities all over the world. A lot of my Black friends I've made in adulthood feels the same. We are now fulfilled by our likeminded kin (and it turns out, a lot of the Black kids who had different responses to those attributions of stereotypes as kids, realized they hated it and I am friends with lots of them today!) I hope things get better for this insightful young man -- I have a feeling they will. Much love to everyone xx

[@JW-1089]

As a black 30+ yr old man I salute any white individual who has a heart of gold that has done what Melissa did for this brother.

[@SaraiPrayer]

Definitely a heart of gold ! 🔥❤️

[@keilah4039]

There is something to be said for how, as Evan speaks about his experience of racism, a tear flows from his eye without any other bodily indication or a bit of interruption in his spech that he is moved emotionally. Such a poignant moment.

[@haileyrafferty2372]

In the right photograph it would be famous

[@GoogleAccount00]

🎯

[@daciadrummond1982]

Melissa is a great mom. You can tell she is the kind of parent who will do whatever it takes to protect her babies. Evan seems wise beyond his years. Sidenote: Thank you for giving me a new way to look at "ILY".

[@Grace1708]

Transracial adoption trauma is real. My heart breaks for adopted black children who have to grow up in these racist white communities. I'm glad the mom is protective and stands up for him and I like that she is open to learning. They have a beautiful bond and way of communicating and it's clear that he trusts her with his feelings. I hope he will find community and meet mentors who can relate to his experience. He seems like a wonderful young man.

[@dixiematias3130]

Why should your heart break,when children are adopted it should never be about the color of their skin.But who will love and take care of them shaping them into good people.And black communities and people can be just as racist

[@jessii7642]

@@dixiematias3130 white people will never experience the type of racism that black people have experienced for thousands of years. It's 2021 and we still have white people treating black people awfully. You will never begin to understand the trauma that comes with being black.

[@sbfairy]

@@dixiematias3130 It always has and always will be about the color of your skin. It shouldn't be but it is and to think otherwise is niave. When you grow up in a black family you are surrounded by people who share the experience of racism with you and can try to prepare you and commiserate with you. I'll never forget being called the "n" word and crying to mom about it. The way she held me and spoke to me, it made me seen in a way I can't describe. It gave me the strength. It's clear that they love each other and she cares about his feelings. However, I suspect that when she talked about him hiding his light it was really him being fearful to really express to her the anger and fear he felt for fear she wouldn't understand or downplay the situation. Not sure what racism in black communities has to do with the op's comment though.

[@DeborahWalkerXOXO]

This is what truly loving your child will do. She didn't pretend what he was experiencing was minor. She didn't "cry" about black people "being racist". She saw her babies in pain and said no way. I'm sorry for her discovering that the wonderful picture she had in her mind of her community wasn't real. That has to be traumatic. The goodness and kindness she thought was in the hearts of her friends or family was conditional on race. That must have been shocking.

[@anotherone6939]

To DM and MM, Black people can be prejudiced,bigoted but not racist. A racist believes their race is superior i.e. whites

[@lizmokosso6163]

I am a black woman who really appreciated this video. We need more of this.

[@kedronmarsh1773]

Now this is a mother… some of us were raised with our birth parents and don’t receive this kind of love. ❤️ my mom loved me in her own way…. But not the way I needed to be loved. Never acknowledging my feelings or concerns and now she doesn’t understand our rift. Cherish this mother.

[@maryonngrace5604]

I have no words. You simply said what was on my heart.

[@YaYa-zm3wu]

Awww, I'm sorry guys. I hope you can move beyond that missing puzzle piece and find something to fill the gap...prayer works for me...hugs too, so here are hugs for you 🤗🤗🤗

[@Noelle55520]

This is such a powerful realization! I find myself admitting this about my own experience, I’m doing everything I can to allow my children to express themselves. I want them to know their feelings are not minute, that they are valid and I will take them in with an open heart.

[@yukari15788]

I love how she goes beyond the given questions to have a deeper conversation with her son. They are so open with each other despite the painful experiences They had to share, even if from so different positions. It's a beautiful episode

[@Miselayneous]

“It doesn’t get worse, but it doesn’t get better.” There are NO words!

[@1977rainDUB]

Yeah. That hit me.

[@HAVFAITH75]

That statement hit straight to my heart! 😢

[@beesknees213]

Dang....his response was DEEP!!

[@zamalindaxulu9554]

That got me in my inmost being, the truth and depth of it🥺

[@QueenyKay]

@@zamalindaxulu9554 Evan is extremely introspective which is a rare quality for a young man his age even if I have no idea how old he is.

[@frugalpixielifestyle2882]

@The Skin Deep, I absolutely commend you guys for the work you do: the incredible relationships, lives and stories you share and document, through the power of quality conversation and questions. This really moved me. It's difficult to 'not see' the pain and depth of emotion behind young Evans eyes. There's a lot going on there that needs to be processed. I just wanted to hug him tight and reassure him. I can only begin to imagine, what that whole experience was like for him being so young. Sounds like mum, Melissa, had a raw and rude awakening to the reality of racism and its insidious nature, that so many still have to endure, daily. I commend her actions in standing up to it (as we ALL should) and doing what was right for her family. Racism is a vile disease. As a mother to two young boys, I know first-hand, how important, precious and special the love and bond between mother and son is. Their pain is yours, and there is NOTHING that as a real, loving mother (biological or not), you would not do, to protect them. Another great example of Love knowing no bounds.

[@naturalbabeebailey6075]

Well said!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@UnbotheredEv]

I'm glad people got to see this

[@sinenhlanhla9339]

"The way I know God loves me is because of you".

[@pepperadish3695]

You’re both beautiful and inspiring. Quick story: I grew up in Midtown Atlanta in a predominantly black school. I remember a student who was literally from Africa being bullied because they “sounded white” Life can be so brutal but it does get better. There are plenty of people of color who will love and respect you for you. White, black, brown, or whatever, we all deserve love. ILY’all

[@OTnerd7]

Thank you good human!

[@lauriethomas4145]

This is so painful but necessary.

[@lorealkids1989]

This made me think of Randals experience on This Is Us.

[@rashondadani]

She’s a MOM! Like a MOM, standing firm on ABBA. I’m in awe🤍

[@salisbkr]

Your son reminds me so much of my son and his similar experiences at a majority all white school. I thought everything would be fine but it wasn’t and we had to move so he could mentally survive. I love seeing the love between you guys as strong as any mom and son.

[@Random_Thoughtss]

Can you guys do a black parent adopting a white child and the experiences they face. It would be interesting to see the responses and perspective of that dynamic.

[@YT4Me57]

My mother had a cousin (she'd be over 100 now if she were still with us) who along with her husband, adopted several children after their biological son grew up. One was a white child named, James. I was very young at the time and didn't realize how unusual that was for an African American family back in the early 1960s. I just knew that he was well loved and loved his mom and dad fiercely.

[@joycomesinthemorning6721]

My family has adopted many white children and is have to say the experiences aren’t anything like black child in white homes !!! It’s not a big issue that’s why nobody’s talking about it we aren’t a racist people period!

[@cbee402]

@@joycomesinthemorning6721 maybe where you live its not a big issue but everywhere else, it's MASSIVE! do not dismiss simply because you have not experienced.

[@1ElegantLady4Realz]

💔 “It doesn’t get worse & it doesn’t get better”

[@baytate8612]

This was so raw and so beautiful. It hit me so hard when he said that it doesn't get any worse but it doesn't get any better. And her quick and quiet reaction showed how deeply she loves her son and how much that she hurts for him that that is his experience. This was one of the best ones yet

[@Gigglesxhx]

'Being a parent is like having your heart walking around outside of your body unprotected' I've never heard truer words! 🥲

[@claudiajeanpierre3098]

True

[@tamikaqueen1203]

This is why it is important to teach the truth in the school system. The truth for the orgin of this country. The truth of white christian religion & that it is laced in racism. God bless this mother who is standing up for her children.

[@erinp.1456]

“It doesn’t get worse, but it doesn’t get better” 😭😭😭😭 omg that’s SO sad!! That poor baby!

[@easton838]

Many people that look like him feel the same. As a parent do you know how hard it is to be strong for your child his entire life because you know it will never get better or easier. in a way we feel that it should. Am 50 years old and life for people who looks like me is tougher than most because of my skin. School loans,mortgages, hospital bills,etc are more because of our skin..And people some people feel I don't have a right to be upset. Not one caucasian person would walk in our shoes..

[@bf1822]

@@easton838 I understand you 100% and that's the sad part about it. That's why I moved to Ghana and I could never be happier. Great country. Great people..

[@easton838]

@@bf1822 I never thought about moving out of the country.

[@bf1822]

@@easton838 2019 was the year of return for Black diaspora to Ghana. The most beautiful event. Check it out on KZbin African tours to Ghana and other African countries..Peace and Love..

[@j.baldwinwasagenius...7575]

It's truly a sad, sad sentiment.

[@demetriusbrown5542]

This is one of my favorites.

[@MsKylea]

This IS my favorite.

[@silvanylacroes1339]

You are lovely and you belong. Don't let anybody keep you silent. Shine as bright as you can as the star that you are. Do Not Fear young king.👑❤

[@dk3xyz]

I am speechless and deeply touched. This is a powerful conversation everyone needs to hear. Love is Love ❤️ This is why I support the {THE AND}!

[@samk.970]

She is so wisdom-full, boldly vulnerable and full of love. It clearly reflects on him that he became so authentic in her love. He will always feel comfortable in his skin, no matter what the negativity. More blessings and joy!

[@klacier5111]

Oh wow. This. This is amazing. Way to go mom…don’t come for her kid. The open questions that she asks are amazing. Such an open mind and heart is beautiful. It’s obvious he can communicate openly with her. Safe space.

[@itsojerald]

Omg omg. I couldn't find my tissues box because I couldn't see. And I was full of a mess! This is the most heart felt and beautiful people I've had to watch and listen to. Bless the family, bless their love, bless all the life that could continue with more support and protect each other. Kudos to the family and Skin Deep for showing and sharing. !!!! Much ❤️ Love to all.

[@bebaptiste4064]

Im glad you did it for you son. Mom can I ask you to reach-out to the family of your son's friend, whom he loves and wants to have the same relief he's found because of your intervention in the school's racist treatment on him..It seems to me, they can do with some support to take on the school's stance on RACISM, to make it a safe space for their son (your sons friend) and other minority children. Wishing your family Blessings 🙏🏾

[@TheFashionChase]

We Stan Evan and sincerely apologize for hurt from our community. We sometimes don’t know how to accept differences or understand multi racial families. I vow to be better for those around me! I pray that is gets better and beyond your wildest dreams. Hope you have peace and joy and that pain is left in the distance

[@diamonmagic]

Amen!

[@lovemii3kids]

Amen 🙏🏼

[@raindrops1942]

A white mom being judged and treated different for having a black son… She is such a blessing. I can only imagine the horror of the AA families living in that small town…

[@jamelewiggins7683]

I belong to a group on social media that has addressed the subject of racism in small towns. Some non-Black parents have asked advice on raising Black children. One of the first responses is for the parent to MOVE away from the small town. This story reminds me of the many discussions of the "small town phenomenon" in regards to black adopted children.

[@niecylanae33]

@@jamelewiggins7683 it’s so sad. I felt Melissa when she said she wanted to stay and fight through it but her motherly love didn’t want anything happening to her child. I am glad she was honest about the awakening that came with all of that.

[@ZestyZinny]

This was honestly tough to watch because this baby shouldn't have to experience this... it makes me so sad and disappointed in the human race

[@macummings7818]

Exactly. Exactly - this childhood trauma should be avoided, in my view. It's just not necessary.

[@a.smiles2789]

The mom is so good at asking questions. I wish she was my mom

[@dollcrazy300]

Whatever problems he may have had in his life with racism, he’s loved in the most unconditional way possible on this earth. I don’t believe most people ever experience that. I didn’t either until I met my spiritual teacher. Even though my poverty stricken single mom was committed to me and my siblings and did everything in her power to give us the best life possible, I never had a clue as to what love actually felt like. I would consciously say to myself as a child, “I know my mom loves me but what does love actually FEEL like?” With over 20 years of dedication to my emotional and spiritual healing, my psychologically educated spiritual teacher finally gave me that experience. I can tell you that from one traumatic experience after another, life is a totally different place if you have internalized someone’s true love on the deepest part of your being. You can deal with the messes of life soo much better! We wonder why there is so much violence among young people in some American communities, specifically poor and AA communities. That’s because those children never felt loved and valued. Their parents never felt loved and valued. Their grandparents never felt loved and valued. Their great grandparents never felt loved and valued. Why? Because their enslaved ancestors were not allowed to show love or protect their own offspring nor “spouses.” They certainly weren’t loved by their slave owners either. Add millions of guns to a situation like that and death and mayhem are the natural results. That’s why we as a country have to look at our past of slavery straight in the face, be honest about it, rebuke it; do everything we can to “atone” for it so we can all finally forgive it and leave it in the past. But today there are still way too many suffering souls resulting from those traumatic and unloving remnants of that period in our history-both white and black; the people who hate and fear others and the people who hate and fear themselves!

[@kirstenglae]

I just want to give him the biggest hug ever. What a beautiful and brave kid. I can tell his Mom wants so badly to make things all better for him, but knows she can’t 100%. That is so hard when you truly love your children, you just want them to be happy.

[@dral22]

That woman "Queen" is such a pure soul, my gosh 😓😭, I was in happy tears throughout the video. Power to Pro-humanity 👑✊🏾

[@1saramak]

I just want to hug them both. What a sweet and strong young man

[@albertok5431]

When she start to cry I started to cry too. How can a mother have such a beautiful loving heart? And while in Germany being thousands of miles away, the racism they talk about is no different. If everybody had a heart like her we would also have the best environment for every soul the world over.

[@0427rjc]

To hear her talk about how she had to overcome the people of her town and how it made her question her religion. That’s deep.

[@pattyfisher8839]

I'd love to hear the perspective of a black parent with an adopted white child

[@jamelewiggins7683]

There are a couple of families with that dynamic on KZbin. I just can't remember their names! One is a single woman, 2 non-black children. Another one is a Black couple with a non-black son.

[@MsKylea]

@Miracle Motivates yes, Kimberly Holden adopted hispanic siblings.

[@TheBLACKKING25]

God bless this incredible woman! Humanity at its finest 👌🏾👏🏾

[@dorcuslee4188]

The MOST honest Conversation I've Ever Seen between a Parent and Child. LOVE... JUST LOVE

[@D_A_Marv]

Okay, when mom started tearing up, I grabbed a tissue, but when he shed that one lonely tear without any other emotion, I had to rewatch because I lost it. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 mom and son. Great episode

[@Noelle55520]

“You are wood thru and thru, but we also love your roots too!” Now that shit was amazing

[@JuliaPedro]

This was too intense! Still reeling from the emotions. The teen strikes me as an empath as his tear only rolled down at the thought of the pain his friend's experiencing. That last statement from him about his mum forever being his mum regardless evoked a sob. It was said with so much thought, love and meaning. If the young man or his mum sees this, I'll say look up INFJ and do a lot of reading on it. This young man strikes me as one. I'm in my late 30s and just realised I was INFP, 3 months ago; I finally understood why I don't fit into my society- Nigerian- and why some of my thoughts and actions are thought to be "white" even though I haven't really lived outside of Nigeria. I learn from other INFPs on how to cope in a world that's different; I'm also learning how to appreciate the emotional intensity of my mind and rising above my comfort zone.

[@andybellamy899]

In my honest opinion, I learn, appreciate and value all of your videos. I may not comment on each one but I still enjoy every one. Evan's and Melissa's courage, thoughtfulness and willingness to answer The Skin Deep's questions in (THE AND) card game, which can be unnerving sometimes, is vital to meaningful conversations that improve minds worldwide. Thank you, thank you and thank you again to your production team for your stellar content on this channel!!

[@elledumble]

She's a great mother! This is what a parent should be like 💞

[@Katechap20]

How do you manage to make me cry every time?? I have actually gotten a lot more comfortable with crying since experiencing this content… it’s odd. I just feel so much faith in humanity and contentment in my human existence after watching these. I’m able to accept whatever emotions arise, and that positively translates into so many other aspects of my life. I’m currently studying film and psychology in undergrad… if you are hiring in 2023 I will for sure be applying. Having a hand in creating this would be an absolute DREAM. Hope to work with you guys in some way in the future.

[@starbag6345]

OMG I can't. This episode 😭😭😭😭

[@jay-dok2258]

😭😢

[@pinkiedlamini7298]

The Love here, but this kid is taking his struggles to heart heart... I hope it never makes him think it's MORE than the LOVE his MOTHER has for him and her commitment to making it all BETTER

[@tiffanybanks3510]

This has by far been my favorite one! It broke me down in so many ways.

[@YaYa-zm3wu]

Acknowledging a pain you can never feel is one of the most loving acts that a person can do... that's real parenting and I'm glad his parents paid attention...

[@warrenbrown1221]

OMG where have I've been - I've just discovered The Skin Deep channel just now due to video. I absolutely love watching Evan and Melissa conversation, a tear or two did appear when they talked about certain question. I can't wait to watch more The Skin Deep - sending much love and respect to Evan & Melissa

[@lauralambo9870]

My whole heart

[@somerandommusicloverwv8617]

😭 beautiful. The love between a mother and their child. Nothing quite like it.

[@cestmoi5702]

Beautiful Black Boy, Wise Young Prince, thank you for deepening my understanding of the word FAMILY ! The last three letters really does mean I LOVE YOU!! Thank you !! And don’t worry about people saying you do not fit!! You’re exactly perfect. You’re wise, loving and uniquely and beautifully made. And momma, thank you for the lionnes in you!!

[@stacyannbowen6493]

Mellisa you’re one in a million

[@rebekah1278]

Where are my tissues😢😢.... Such a beautiful discussion and questions. And the openness between mother and son.. Just beautiful 💕💕💕💕

[@CagedbirdFree]

Thank you for sharing this video. Melissa is truly a wonderful mother. I love their candor and how they truly LISTEN to one another. She may not be Evan's birth mother. Yet, she carries him in the womb of her heart and feels his pain. For sure, Evan and his sister will always have a safe and open space to share their experiences with their mom. What a beautiful expression of God's love in this family.

[@Essenceofme]

This makes my heart ache and swell for this young man and this family. This was a joy to witness. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@ellec2935]

Both my parents are black and i used to told i "didn't sound black." However, that stopped when I entered college and no one has ever said that in the professional work world. Take it as a compliment because that is really a low socioeconomic thing that kids realize later. In the real world speaking backwards will not get you where u want to go. Intelligence is black.

[@watchingwatcher5821]

What a special mother and son. You’ve raised a very compassionate person and he so deserves to be happy and safe. Wishing you both all the best ❤️

[@thandongxonono7753]

Wow,such open communication between mom and son.You can feel the love and support.

[@emmag8668]

ILY so sweet

[@haileyrafferty2372]

Living as a child who doesn't fit in is such a poignant and chilling point of view

[@robynw8223]

wow. this hits hard. This was so emotional and beautiful. Love the transparency and I feel so sorry for the hardships this young man has had to endure. We all need to do better. He is so strong. What a beautiful family

[@nofacenocase_ace]

Look into they eyes and how they see each other, if that’s not genuine mom and son bonding love I don’t know what is, he changed her life, she’s woke because of him and it’s beautiful and heart Warming to see, I’m in tears over here. This is what it looks like when u see black, I mean she really see it, feel it, get it now because god gave her the responsibility of raising a black man. Let god work momma Melissa u gonna change the world, let ur light shine in ur circle till ur circle connect to my circle then our circle becomes the whole globe 💪

[@melissawood8625]

I love your comment. I pray as we continue to advocate and learn and use our privilege and voice that our circles connect! Thank you!

[@nofacenocase_ace]

@@melissawood8625 your welcome and thank u, your transparency is helping the masses and tell ur son he awesome and his future is so bright and im so happy I some how stumbled on your story, thanks again and be blessed

[@1ElegantLady4Realz]

❤️ the love they have for each other. I hope his friend & his family was able to get support to help them in whatever way they needed!

[@JozelleRenia]

I pray that I can make a difference in people’s lives as great as this mom is able to do for her family. What a blessing to have someone love you this much. However this young man is broken & it’s evident I pray he finds peace he’s so bright and loved! This makes me think about how important it is to be involved in a child’s life you may not know what’s going on deep down, times have changed but I feel like now a days parents are allowing the tablets to raise the kids... Definitely thankful for this content 🥺🥺✨

[@TestorshiaTheeOne]

Well, now I’m sobbing.

[@gamingmom6164]

One of my sons act and talk differently than other children his age and color and I pray that no one treats him differently now that he is in high school. He is referred to as the smart kid so they dont pick on him but if I had to go through something like this I would do the same as this mother. Fight until it was time to move own. I appreciate this young man for being open and honest with his mom. He is a beautiful being. I ask the Universe to continue to bring him Joy and Unconditional Love

[@savetheenvironment.savethe5652]

Young man you are blessed to have her as a mother GOD bless you mom

[@oceanbreeze34]

Such a beautiful bond 😍😍😍

[@smalltimber7670]

Damn racism really is something i love how she loves and protects her kids

[@Morristlm]

I love Melissa! She saw the pain racism was causing her children and moved to protect them; as any great mother would do. Bravo!

[@shanec9840]

Ok...I will NEVER make stupid "light hearted" comments about interacial families again. I just didn't understand. I'm from one of those small towns she talked about.

[@paigeparish8732]

Self awareness and change is a great thing 🙏🏽

[@memorymalunga670]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@gobstopper3041]

Keep learning, baby! Be curious and open-minded. Ignorance breeds hatred!

[@kerishatyrell1967]

This is why you have to talk about it, so people can learn and grow.

[@YaYa-zm3wu]

Thank you for taking it in and hopefully you will actually apply the lesson(s) you took from here and more than just not doing bit, don't standby and watch or listen when your friends do it, because that is a big issue in this type of behavior. Racism is really just grand scale bullying and is we watch and say "Well, I didn't do anything" you're right, you can do or say something bro stop it. One incident being stopped can change someone's life...

[@Tyme_flies]

I've watched 2 hour movies that didn't make me cry/ball this much I'm a 42 year old biracial woman that grew up in Hot Springs Arkansas, so yeah this whole video touched my heart.

[@ashleyvaughn5213]

Having a child is like having your heart outside your body walking around. That was beautiful ❤. Maybe not for everyone but from my point of view, definitely.

[@EmEm872]

Oh Evan, you are an incredible young man, so thoughtful and deep thinking. Melissa, what a wonderful young man you and your partner are raising. Thankyou both for opening up your hearts to us.

[@advocacynaccountablity]

My heart is with this young man. His strength is apparent.

[@trecswagg3635]

This is my new favorite episode. Thank you Melissa & Evan 💙

[@ksmith690]

I want this young man to have the joy of youth and freedom that all young people should be able experience. I hate that he has been through so much so young. I hate to see the pain in his eyes. Im glad he has a adoptive parent who is fighting for him and willing to make changes so he is safe

[@humbulaniyuhwl3761]

Wow, this Lady is strong. She has a beautiful motherly heart .

[@REGOTOBED]

I hope that he watches This Is Us. So many parallels.

[@sarahs6475]

Evan, my daughter goes through the same thing..she's a athlete but she's also a book nerd. She is goofy, observant, and kind. She is mixed but no race defines her. Maybe one day we can stop putting people in a box with multiple titles and just be people that learn, show kindness and live life. Continue being a well rounded person that sees character instead of appearance! U r an amazing person!

[@MariaHeinen]

Beautiful .... to have each other like this.

[@ardhionadinfa7454]

Ur a great mother,Melissa..

[@LadyJ_Guitar-Drums]

I’m crying first thing in the morning! Ugh! What a great conversation! Thank you.

[@starbag6345]

This was so so incredibly powerful

[@jokhaalshaili2421]

God one if my favorite 🥺I didn’t want it to end

[@rhatid]

People like these give the world hope. She is a good person.

[@preciouslove1521]

You’re handsome young man. You have a beautiful woman Who really cares about you. Your tears are joy❤️❤️

[@allenmarcelin6323]

Be strong my brother God has given you purpose ,and is because you are the family of "Yahshua".the world hated him so do not be surprised when the world hates you.Just think how strong you are to love those who persecute you and say all manner of evil to you.

[@Thejboogiee]

I love how God blessed her life with something that will last as long as she lives which is unconditional love that she has for her son. God’s blessings last forever so the unconditional love that she has in her heart will always be warm and comfortable for her just like God’s live is for us all. I think that is just the most beautiful thing that God gives us is unconditional love