One name Trump will never mention

By David W. Marshall
TriceEdneyWire.com Columnist

It is unlikely that we will ever hear Donald Trump mention Heman Bekele by name during one of his campaign rallies. Knowing Trump’s character as a man, it would be hard to fathom seeing him properly reference Bekele in public or private conversations.

Heman Bekele is an Ethiopian-born scientist who represents everything Trump and many of his supporters have stood against. Bekele’s story is one of inspiration, truth, and validation. It is a story of hope for the future, innovation of new ideas, and inclusion of “others.” Bekele is young, yet we can all learn from the example of his words and deeds. Bekele has been named Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year. As Time writes, “His accomplishment: inventing a soap that could one day treat and even prevent multiple forms of skin cancer. It may take years before such a product comes to market, but this summer Heman is already spending part of every weekday working in a lab with scientists at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, hoping to bring his dream to fruition.”

Reflecting on his invention, Bekele asked, “What is one universally impactful idea that transcends socioeconomic barriers?” He realized that soap, a product nearly everyone uses for hygiene, could hold the key. “I am deeply passionate about skin cancer research, Bekele told Time. “The thought of my soap directly impacting someone’s life is truly remarkable and is the driving force behind my work.”

Bekele envisions a future where his soap can be used in early-stage cancers and complement existing treatments in advanced stages. His goal is to make it affordable for everyone who needs it. He encourages others by saying, “Many believe that all ideas have been exhausted, but I disagree. There is an endless capacity for innovation that can better our world. Keep inventing and striving to make a positive difference.”

Last year, at 14, he created a video explaining his idea and used it to enter the 3M Young Scientist’s Challenge, which encourages kids to think of unique ways to solve everyday problems. He ended up winning the $25,000 grand prize.

It was from his parents that he learned about the dangers of cancer. Bekele said, ”I have a really basic 5-year plan mapped out, including acquiring FDA certification, conducting human testing and making sure that this all works. But then by 2028, I hope to turn this passion project into a nonprofit organization where I can provide equitable and accessible skin cancer treatment to as many people as possible, because honestly at the end of the day, that is what this project is all about.”

Living in Fairfax, Virginia, Bekele’s family came to the U.S. from Ethiopia when he was four. In many ways, he is a typical 10th-grade student who plays the flute and trombone in his school’s marching band. Outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball, reading, and playing chess. Who would not want to see Heman Bekele or anyone like him succeed? Who would not want to see our youth develop innovative ideas to address the health and well-being of cancer patients?

Bekele’s positive accomplishments, along with his passion for skin cancer research, counter the stereotypes often being painted about immigrants of color. His work validates that America remains the land of opportunity for people of all backgrounds and nations. As Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year, Bekele’s work and compassion for others is the answer to the racist question once presented by then-President Donald Trump. According to an aide, when a bipartisan group of senators came together to discuss immigration from Africa, Trump asked why America would want immigrants from “all these shithole countries” and that the U.S. should have more people coming in from places like Norway. The answer: Heman Bekele.

Those of us who have grown tired and weary of the constant anti-immigrant sentiment against people of color can be proud to highlight the hard work and accomplishments of this young man from Africa. Trump’s statement will always bring anger and disgust, but Bekele puts a face and name on the truth regarding immigrants. It brings a sense of satisfaction. Not every young person will find a cure for cancer, but many immigrants of color will contribute to their local communities in other ways. They deserve our recognition as well. Time will tell what the outcome will be for Bekele’s innovative research.

Each year, more than five million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer. Skin cancer is most prevalent among White patients. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is 20 times more common in White people than in Blacks. We know that if Bekele’s soap becomes FDA-certified and is available as a successful treatment for skin cancer, many whites who share Trump’s thoughts and rhetoric about immigrants of color will be the first in line to obtain Bekele’s product.

David W. Marshall, a columnist with the Trice Edney News Wire, founded the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and is the author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.

This article originally published in the October 14, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.