Great commentary article from Roswell Encina, whose image had gone viral after a Getty Images photographer photographed him surrounded by White supremacist group the Patriot Front.
A Getty Images photographer captured the moment. As far as I could see, I was the only unmasked person in the sea of Patriot Front members. I had my AirPods in, and my gingham shirt and bandana signaled I was ready to celebrate Independence Day. But my face and body language told a different story.
Within hours, the photographs had spread across social media and news outlets. Friends began texting. Reporters called. Many asked whether I had been frightened.
The honest answer is yes.
But after the initial shock faded, I realized the moment offered something else: an opportunity to talk about the country I love, the work still left to do, and why history and civics education matter now more than ever.
I came to this country as an infant because my father served in the U.S. Navy. During my childhood, our family moved back and forth between the United States and the Philippines before eventually settling here. America became home not simply because we lived here, but because my parents believed deeply in the responsibilities that came with citizenship [...]
Today, I have the privilege of serving as president and CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, where our mission is to preserve history, elevate civics and help Americans better understand Congress and the Capitol. Every day we welcome students into the Capitol, train teachers from across the country, host conversations with historians and public servants, and encourage visitors to see themselves as part of the American story."
Read the full article: https://www.salon.com/2026/07/10/what-a-subway-ride-with-white-supremacists-taught-me-about-america/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
