Nationwide — Legend Whitaker, a 6-year-old African American boy from Polk County, Florida, was left humiliated when his white trainer sang a “humorous” birthday tune that in contrast him to a monkey as his classmates laughed. The video of the incident has gone viral, sparking outrage and a district investigation.
On September 29 at Floral Avenue Elementary College in Bartow, Legend was celebrating his birthday together with his classmates. After the trainer led the category in singing the normal “Joyful Birthday,” his trainer requested if he needed to listen to a “humorous model” of the tune.
In a video filmed by the trainer herself, she snapped her fingers and sang, “Joyful birthday to you. You reside within the zoo. You appear like a monkey, and also you odor like one, too.” College students across the boy laughed whereas the trainer added, “Whoo, give him a clap, all people.”
In accordance with The Ledger, Legend’s mom, Desarae Prather, stated she was shocked when she obtained the video. She stated her son felt humiliated in entrance of his classmates and has refused to return to highschool because the incident.
“He feels as if individuals are going to name him a monkey, and his emotions are harm,” she stated. “Now I’ve to hunt counseling for him as a result of he was crying for to not be again in her class and even return to that faculty. I shouldn’t must get up day-after-day to see that my son feels this manner.”
Prather instantly reported the matter to the varsity, however workers advised her the criticism would solely be forwarded to Polk County Public Colleges. The district later confirmed the matter is beneath evaluation by its HR division and stated workers are anticipated to respect all cultures and backgrounds.
Because the clip unfold on social media, it drew nationwide consideration. Civil rights legal professional Ben Crump, comic D.L. Hughley, and rapper Diamond ATL had been amongst those that shared it. In the meantime, the trainer, who stays in her place has confronted demise threats, in accordance with the Polk Training Affiliation.
Union president Stephanie Yocum stated the trainer within the video is a longtime workers member and burdened that each one workers deserve a good investigation. However Prather insists her son deserves an apology and that the trainer ought to face penalties.
“I really feel like she ought to come clean with her actions,” Prather stated. “I really feel like she ought to write an apology to my son and my household, as a result of it was unacceptable, and my son goes to be traumatized for all times. That is going worldwide, and I really feel as if she ought to get fired, as a result of that’s unacceptable.”
