(St. Louis, MO) Barack Obama helped ease centuries of built up racial tensions in the United States, when he was elected to the White House in 2008. In 2009, Brian Pale also helped ease racial tensions, when he voluntarily sat in the back of a bus.

Last week, during a trip across town, the 27 year-old high school civics teacher took it upon himself to move to the back of a city bus so that the African American, Latino, Asian and other ethnic people could sit up front.

“I didn’t sit in the back because I’m a hero, I’m not,” said Pale. “I’m just a white man who thought it was time for the not so white people to sit up front.”

Why?

They deserve it said Pale. “They’ve had it rougher than I have. Plus, I’m pretty sure some of my ancestors raped the shit out of some of their ancestors. So if I can make things square by giving them the front of the bus, then I’m more than happy to do so.”

Despite what is the normal path for a civil celebrity, Pale has no plans to engage on a speaking tour or write a book. His plan is to retire. “Please people, just let me live my own life. I’ve done my part for the cause. Now it’s time for you (whites) to stand up and do your part, to get to the back of your own buses. Keep moving back and one day maybe, just maybe, this nation will be ready for us to again sit up front.”