ABOVE PHOTO: Rachel Jeantel
(AP photo)
BlackAmericaWeb.com
Rachel Jeantel was thrust into the spotlight after she testified in the George Zimmerman trial detailing her friendship with her slain friend, Trayvon Martin.
However, instead of people encouraging Jeantel and supporting the teen who will forever live with the burden of being the last person to talk to Martin before his death, the 19-year-old was berated for her speech, appearance, mannerisms and “lack of education.”
Jeantel’s testimony and her recent appearance on CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight”, greatly impacted radio legend Tom Joyner and since he first saw her on the stand, Joyner has been determined to help Jeantel.
Tuesday morning on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Joyner offered an olive branch to the embattled teen, offering her a possible full scholarship to any HBCU through the Tom Joyner Foundation.
Joyner proclaimed, “Hi Rachel, this is Tom Joyner, I love you, I really do love you”, Jeantel, shyly giggles before responding, “I know.”
But, Jeantel didn’t know how much she was loved because, Joyner was soon to dramatically change her life in a matter of minutes, saying, “If you want to graduate from high school, and go to an HBCU, even if it’s not in Florida but especially Florida, like Florida Memorial, Edward Waters or FAMU, if you want to do that, I want to help you do that.”
Joyner did not only offer his assistance in college, he wants to help her get there, adding, “I will help you get tutors to get you out of high school, tutors to help you pass the SAT and I will give you a full ride scholarship to any HBCU you’d like.”
Jeantel, who we later learned was in shock from the offer, simply responded “thank you.”
Later in the interview, Jeantel hinted that she might pursue a career in law enforcement but she reminded Joyner and the crew she “doesn’t like bodies” or funerals.
Whatever Jeantel decides to do, she has the support of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, co-host Sybil Wilkes expressed her support to Jeantel before ending the interview, saying, “and I got to tell you that people on social media, whether it’s Tom’s Facebook page, whether it’s Twitter or text, Tom, everybody is supporting you, Rachel, and really want you to know that they are wanting the best for you.”
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