High School Boys’ Act of Kindness Goes Viral for ALL the Right Reasons

With all that’s going on in the world right now, it’s hard to see past the fear and anxiety surrounding us. It’s now more than ever that we need to be reminded of all the good that still remains in the world. That’s why we love stories of kindness like the one we’re sharing with you today. It all began when two high school football players realized that a freshman at their school in Memphis, Tennessee, was being bullied for wearing the same clothes every day. And instead of standing quietly by, they decided to do something about it.

This past fall, Kristopher Graham and Antwann Garrett had just started back to school. Michael Todd, a freshman who only recently moved to the Memphis area, quickly became the target of ridicule when he showed up to school day after day wearing the same clothes. Graham, who admits to laughing along with the bullies in the beginning, soon realized what was happening was wrong and he started looking for a way to apologize that would include an act of kindness to make up for his part in the teasing. After reaching out to his buddy and football teammate, Garrett, the boys decided to surprise Todd with some new clothes and shoes.

After putting the gift together, the boys pulled Todd aside one day in the hallway to present him with the new clothes. After a friend videoed the interaction and posted it online, the video went viral for the sheer kindness that it showed. Not only was it viewed by millions online, but it caught the attention of some big-name celebrities, as well, including Ellen DeGeneres who invited all three of the boys onto her show.

The boys were clearly thrilled to be on the show, but little did they know that Ellen had a few more surprises up her sleeve – the first of which was a visit from none other than Will Smith, who had also seen the boys’ act of kindness online and wanted to acknowledge the importance of what they had done. In talking to the boys, Smith said,” What you did felt small to you, but I promise you, this is exactly how human beings are supposed to interact with one another.” He went on to tell the boys that they already know the most important thing in life – kindness matters.

As we face uncertainty in the coming weeks – maybe even months – let’s learn from Graham and Garrett and remember that a small act of kindness on our part can have effects that are immeasurable to someone else. We hope you’ll enjoy this video as much as we did – and remember #bekind!