Edward David White, an 18-year-old African American male from Philadelphia, PA, was tragically shot and killed on September 30, 1965. He was unarmed and had just finished his shift at a diner when he encountered Larry Miller, a 16-year-old member of the Cedar Avenue Gang. Miller, who was angry after a gang member was stabbed earlier that evening, mistakenly believed White was part of a rival gang and shot him with a .38-caliber handgun.
White was left to die on the street.
Following the murder, Larry Miller was arrested and served over four years in prison for the crime. During his time in prison, Miller pursued an education and earned an accounting degree from Temple University after his release. He later built a successful career, eventually becoming a top executive at Nike and overseeing their Jordan Brand.
Despite Miller's success, the murder of Edward David White haunted him for decades. In 2022, Miller revealed his past in his memoir, "Jump: My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom," co-written with his daughter. The book details his journey from a troubled youth to a successful business executive and his efforts to make amends for his actions. Miller has since met with White's family and expressed his remorse, although the family was upset that he did not name White in the book.
Edward David White's family has asked Miller to start a scholarship foundation in honor of White, hoping to turn this tragic event into something positive. Despite the pain and loss, White's family has found a way to forgive Miller, believing in the power of redemption and change.
This case highlights the long-lasting impact of violent actions and the potential for personal transformation and redemption. It also underscores the importance of addressing past wrongs and seeking forgiveness from those affected by them.
