Biden Shares Childhood Memory of Discovering Black People's Existence

Speaking at a community center in Delaware, former President Joe Biden recounted a childhood memory that he said shaped his understanding of race in America.

He described growing up in a segregated neighborhood and the moment he first realized black people existed.

“I was just a kid, maybe 10 or 11, standing on the corner waiting for my mom to pick me up,” Biden said. “Then this bus rolls by, and it’s full of black kids. I thought, ‘Well, gosh, where’d they come from?’”

The former president’s remarks come as Democrats continue to navigate discussions about racial equity and historical privilege. Biden’s speech was part of an event focused on community outreach, attended by local leaders and activists.

He went on to describe the advantages he experienced growing up in a predominantly white area during the era of segregation.

“It was a different time, you know,” Biden continued. “I didn’t have to think about race because everyone around me looked like me. That’s the kind of privilege I had, and I’m not bragging, I'm just being honest about it.”

The audience reaction was mixed, with some attendees nodding thoughtfully while others exchanged glances. Biden’s comments follow a pattern of unfiltered reflections from his time in office, often sparking debate about his approach to sensitive topics.

A local community organizer, Tamika Harris, offered her perspective on the former president’s remarks.

“He’s trying to be real, I guess, but it’s a lot to unpack,” Harris said. “Saying you didn’t know black people existed until you saw them on a bus? That’s not the flex he thinks it is.”

Biden’s speech also touched on his efforts to address racial disparities during his presidency, including initiatives aimed at economic opportunity and criminal justice reform.

Critics argue these efforts fell short, pointing to persistent gaps in wealth and incarceration rates. Supporters, however, credit Biden with raising awareness about systemic issues, even if his personal anecdotes sometimes miss the mark.

“I’ve always tried to learn, to listen, to grow,” Biden said. “That bus moment, it stuck with me. It made me think about what I didn’t know.”

The event concluded with Biden taking questions from the audience, though he sidestepped inquiries about his future political plans. His remarks have already ignited discussions online, with some praising his honesty and others questioning the framing of his story.

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