A Moment of Poise
Denzel Washington joined The View to share insights on healing, yet encountered challenging inquiries. He maintained his composure, responding with serene conviction, “You don’t know where I’ve used my voice. You only know where you didn’t hear it.” His tranquil assurance left an indelible mark on the audience.
A Gracious Opening
The program opened with an atmosphere of admiration. Whoopi Goldberg introduced Denzel as “a man of faith, discipline, and stillness.” Speaking gently about his latest project, he shared, “I didn’t create this film to entertain. I created it to reflect the essence of grace.”
A Thoughtful Exchange
Sunny Hostin inquired why Denzel steers clear of political discussions despite his emphasis on faith and forgiveness. He answered calmly, “Politics is loud and chaotic. Truth, however, is quiet. I choose to align with that.”
The Power of Restraint
When asked if silence could ever cause harm, Denzel responded with grace, choosing to exit the stage without frustration. His composed departure transformed the interview into a memorable television moment, illustrating that opting for restraint can reveal profound truths.
A Tragic Act of Bravery
On April 6, Bryce Brooks faced a perilous situation in waters with no lifeguards present. His father, Shivy, recounted how Bryce “was pulled under” by a strong current while attempting to save another child. Yellow flags, signaling moderate currents, were displayed at the time.
Shivy posted a heartfelt Instagram video, urging others to pray as he rushed to the hospital where Bryce and family friend Charles “Uncle Chuck” Johnson II were airlifted. “My oldest son Bryce needs our prayers,” he said. “Bryce went to rescue another child drifting out to sea and was caught in a strong current himself. Our dear friend went in to save Bryce and was also overtaken by the waters. Both are now in Pensacola hospitals, and I don’t yet know their conditions. His mother and I are on our way to him.”
The following day, Shivy faced devastating news, sharing, “I never imagined waking up to RIP posts featuring my child’s picture.” He captioned the post, “Our baby.” Tragically, Bryce succumbed to cardiac arrest.
A Legacy of Selflessness
Shivy spoke with pride about his son’s courage, saying, “The selflessness it takes to make such a sacrifice at only 16 years old—we’re so proud as parents of how our son showed up in that moment. Let it be known that Atlanta raised kids who would give their lives for strangers.”
Over the years, Shivy’s social media has reflected his grief, with posts marking Bryce’s heavenly birthdays, the first day of school, and Father’s Day messages to other fathers who “can’t hug their babies.” In an April 8 video, he shared the painful moment of preparing to tell his younger son that Bryce would not return home.
Despite the overwhelming sorrow, Shivy remains immensely proud of his “baby boy.” “Bryce is a hero. He saved the lives of four children at the cost of his own,” he said. “We’ll never see Bryce grow into the man he was destined to be, but we know he stepped into his manhood to save those children, and that fills me with pride.”
Bryce’s mother, Crystal, echoed this sentiment: “It doesn’t ease the pain, but it makes me proud of our son and the sacrifice he made. I’ll cherish that forever.”
A Friend’s Sacrifice
Charles “Uncle Chuck” Johnson, a devoted husband and father of three, also lost his life attempting to save Bryce. Shivy described him as “a person who looks after everyone.” He added, “That he would give his life to save Bryce’s is exactly the kind of man I know him to be.”
Honoring a Hero’s Legacy
In the months following Bryce’s passing, the family established the Bryce Brooks Foundation, a charity dedicated to promoting water safety and drowning prevention. The foundation’s mission is to provide free swimming lessons for adults and children and to offer scholarships for teens pursuing lifeguard certification.
The foundation has awarded its first six scholarships to support college expenses, including one to Johnson’s son.
A Father’s Enduring Love
Recently, Shivy shared a poignant message on Instagram: “Bryce’s presence is missed every day. He was always by my side, making impossible things possible. Bryce was always my hero.” He continued, “I long to talk to him, to hold him in my arms, to have my son come home.”
