We need more educators in this world like Dr. Nathan Alexander. Dr. Alexander, who is a professor at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, went viral over the weekend after a photo started to spread that showed the professor holding a child while teaching the class.
While that may seem like nothing too wild, the story behind how the child ended up in his arms is what will make you believe there is still some good left in this world.
According to a user on Twitter, the 34-year-old math professor decided to hold the baby so that their parent, Wayne Hayer, could take adequate notes in his class.
“Student came to class today with his child due to no babysitter or anybody to watch her while he was in class,” the tweet read. “My professor NATHAN ALEXANDER said ‘I’ll hold her so you can take good notes!'”
Student came to class today with his child due to no babysitter or anybody to watch her while he was in class.
My professor NATHAN ALEXANDER said “I’ll hold her so you can take good notes!” #HBCU #morehouse #Respect pic.twitter.com/oogIqetseS— TheOriginal
(@Original_Vaughn) March 1, 2019
(@Original_Vaughn) That is Professor of the Year right there.
And while Alexander made the touching gesture, he did admit that there were some nerves when he first picked up the child.
“I’m not a father, I don’t have children of my own,” he said in an interview with Buzzfeed News. “I was worried that she would start crying. But it actually went perfectly. She was extremely well-behaved.”
The mother of the baby girl, whose name is Assata, took to social media to thank everyone for their support and the great gesture from Alexander.
“Seeing the outpouring of support from friends, family, and strangers for Assata and Wayne is a sight to behold. I can feel the genuine love and enthusiasm,” Hayer posted on Facebook. “We are new parents. Wayne works two jobs and is a full-time student. He’s rarely at home because he’s out there providing for us,” Hayer wrote. “Thank you to black educators like Dr. Nathan Alexander for your compassion and understanding. This came at the right time. We plan and Allah plans; verily, Allah is the best of Planners.”
With the negative stories constantly in the news today, we always need to remember to appreciate the uplifting ones.