ABC News is reporting on the story of a Baltimore police officer named Eric Gaines who was patrolling the streets of the city when he saw a young teen stop beside a homeless man who was sleeping on the sidewalk. Other people had stopped beside the man too, but they did so only to rifle through his pockets looking for something valuable.
But not this young man.
About 15 or 16 years old, he stopped beside the reclining figure, knelt down and reached out to touch his foot. He bent his head and began to pray.
“It was a powerful moment,” Gaines told ABC News. “Everyone who saw him in the area was moved.”
The teen, who was in danger of missing his bus, then got to his feet and hurried off.
But the moment was caught and posted on Facebook by Jonathan A. Stormz on March 1. Since then, it has been viewed 32,000 times.
“I watched as this young kid was walking pass, stopped and walked over to this sleeping homeless man,” Jonathan wrote on Facebook. “This was an amazing sight! I pray this kid becomes a leader amongst his peers (sic), and continues on this path! Not all Baltimore youth are lost!"
Gaines was pleased to see the photo being so widely shared and hopes it will help to fight against the “preconceived notions” people have of young black youth.
“Not all are lost,” he said. “Some are doing wonderful things in the neighborhood and community and it's not getting the same publicity in the media.”
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