To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE


SHARE THIS ARTICLE Printer friendly version of this page

Botham Jean's Brother Receives Ethical Courage Award for Christ-Like Display of Forgiveness

Andrea Morris : Dec 5, 2019  CBN News

"Brandt Jean represents the best in us. Despite an unimaginable loss, he saw the humanity in the person responsible for his brother's death. He saw her pain and regret, and had the ability to show empathy, caring and forgiveness. I can't think of an act that was more courageous. That one act did much to help the Dallas community heal." -Gregory Smith, M.A., director of ILEA

[CBN News] Brandt Jean has been awarded for his awe-inspiring display of kindness toward the police officer who killed his innocent brother Botham last year. (Image: via CBN News)

On Tuesday, the 18-year-old was given the 2019 Ethical Courage Award by the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (ILEA).

The world watched his emotional declaration of forgiveness to Amber Guyger after she was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Oct 2.

"I want the best for you," he said. "That's exactly what Botham would want you to do, and the best would be to give your life to Christ. I love you as a person. I don't wish anything bad on you," he told Guyger in the courtroom.

Then Jean asked Judge Kemp if he could give Guyger a hug which was granted.

Jean and Guyger stood up and met in front of the bench, hugging each other while Guyger cried—a remarkable show of grace that attorneys, court employees, and reporters said they'd never seen in all their years.

"Each year, we present the Ethical Courage Award to recognize an individual or organization for outstanding ethics and integrity," said Gregory Smith, M.A., director of ILEA.

"Brandt Jean represents the best in us. Despite an unimaginable loss, he saw the humanity in the person responsible for his brother's death. He saw her pain and regret, and had the ability to show empathy, caring and forgiveness."

"I can't think of an act that was more courageous. That one act did much to help the Dallas community heal," Smith added.

ILEA said Jean should be applauded for the amazing example he set and his heartwarming gesture of forgiveness.

Jean was accompanied by his mother, father and sister who traveled from St. Lucia to be at the ceremony.

"I want to thank the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration for offering me this award and I'm honored to accept it on behalf of my brother, Botham Jean, who was an example of ethical leadership," said Jean.

"I'm truly grateful for this award, and I hope that others can see the light in what I did."

Also Jean took the time to tell police officers that a lack of training and technique is what led to the incident.

"I am well aware that this agency is responsible for the training of officers in leadership positions around the country. I've come to believe that it was a lack of training and poor utilization of proper techniques at the opportune time that caused Amber Guyger to murder my brother. That is the reason that I stand before you today," Jean said.

"I want you all to know that I am not a threat, that young black males are not inherently dangerous or criminal."

The award ceremony took place during ILEA's Contemporary Issues and Ethics Conference. Nearly 50 police officials from throughout Texas and surrounding states attended the event.

"Brandt, I see the values instilled in you by your parents. I see the strength given to you by your faith. If the rest of us could tap into just a slice of your moral courage and principles that you displayed in that moment, this world would be a better place," Smith concluded. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here







SHARE THIS ARTICLE Printer friendly version of this page

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Other Recent Articles from Breaking Christian News

Illegals Using Fake Skimmers at Self-Checkouts to Drain Consumers' Bank Accounts; Here's How to Guard Yourself

Elon Musk to Pay Embattled Doctor's Legal Fees after Speaking Out against COVID Lockdowns

Safety of Women Hangs in Balance after Oral Arguments on Abortion Pill Regulation

New Federal Gun Grab Law Would Criminalize Shooting Ranges, and Even Private Security

Treasury Sec. Yellen: Biden Has NO Plan to Save Social Security

Maryland Governor Says 'Keep on Praying' for Families of Missing Workers after Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Chick-fil-A Abandons Long-Held 'No Antibiotics' Pledge on Chicken

The War in Myanmar: Karenni Resistance Fighters Ask for Prayer and Practical Help

The World Is Facing a Major Population Crisis by 2075 If Birth Rates Keep Falling

FDA Admits COVID Vaccines Cause Seizures in Toddlers

'Hamas Is Celebrating' after US Abstains from UN Security Council Ceasefire Vote: Netanyahu Cancels Visit

Kamala Harris Won't Disclose Why Biden Campaign Is Active on TikTok Despite Security Worries

Special Counsel Report Reveals University of Delaware Misled Courts to Hide Biden's Senate Records That Likely Hold Sexual Assault Complaint Filed by Tara Reade

'Unthinkable Tragedy': Baltimore Bridge Collapses after Being Struck by Cargo Ship

Jews, Christians Celebrate Purim, Palm Sunday as Israel Fights for Victory over Hamas

Dan Bongino Emotionally Recounts Supernatural Experience the Morning His Mom Died: 'I've Never Believed More in the Power of Jesus'

Married People More Likely to Be 'Thriving': Gallup Survey

Planet Fitness Is Having a 'Bud Light' Moment

The Shocking Untold History of the Man Who Designed the 'Transgender Flag'

Moscow Concert Massacre: US Border Chief Very Concerned a Similar Attack Could Happen Here



Search the Articles Archives

Keyword:  
Author:  
Words Posted On:  
Day Month Year



BCN Plus

Follow BCN on Twitter
Are You Praying for Our Government Leaders?
BCN Staff

Steve Shultz
Steve Shultz, Managing Editor
Founder and Owner


Aimee Herd
Aimee Herd, Editor


BCN Plus
Are You Praying for President Trump?
 
 

All articles on this site and emails from BCN are copyrighted property of Breaking Christian News. Permission is given to link to, or share a BCN story if proper attribution is given to both the original writer and summarizer of the story. Breaking Christian News 2005-2019. All Rights Reserved.


Breaking Christian News is a division of Elijah List Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved


Disclaimer: Articles and links, as well as the source articles linked to; do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Breaking Christian News.

editor@breakingchristiannews.com