News | November 13th, 2022
“I Am Kylah Spring”
By: Kya Cudjo
A white University of Kentucky student was arrested and charged after a video on social media showed her racially attacking a Black student, calling her a “n***** b****” in an early Sunday incident.
Kylah Spring, another student working the night shift at the dormitory’s front desk, was attacked at 4 a.m. by Sophia Rosing, an entitled yet intoxicated 22-year-old senior.
According to the New York Post, Rosing has been charged with public intoxication, assault, disorderly conduct and assault on a police officer after the ugly incident.
In the sickening clips, Rosing refuses the help and instead tries to attack Spring while repeatedly calling her the n-word.
After the racial slurs and the intentional assault, you’d think this girl would give it up, but her alcohol intake speaks louder.
Somehow remaining inhumanely calm throughout the encounter, Spring asked the intoxicated student, “could you stop, please?” after she took a swing at her.
“Nope,” Rosing replied, “You’re a n**** and you’re a b****.”
“Oh, Jesus Lord, I do not get paid enough for this.” Stated Spring, keeping the situation casual.
Although Rosing was eventually cuffed by arriving police, her behavior stood consistent, and she began to sing the n-word as if it was her morning lullaby.
“The girl starts saying things like ‘Do my chores,’ ‘It’s not my fault that you’re black,’ ‘It’s not my fault that you’re ugly,’ and at this point, she’s like singing the n-word,” Spring said.
As tears rolled down her face, Spring spoke at a March Against Racism at the school’s library, stating, “This is a recurring issue in and around American school systems no matter what age,” Spring said.
Photo credit: Kylah Spring’s Instagram @ky.janalise
“I am deeply saddened by the events that took place, but I am most grateful for justice that is to come and to Miss Rosing. You will not break my spirit,” she added.
At the march, Kylah’s parents marched by her side and thanked the crowd for their support. “But do not let it stop here,” Kylah’s mother said. “It is uncomfortable to sit in silence and watch and feel helpless, but it is more uncomfortable to watch it happen again and again and again.”
As a known and experienced social media influencer, my platform is my kingdom and domain to use my voice. I use this status to fight for good and influence others who may follow or look to my lifestyle for inspiration. In Miss Spring’s case, she can use her platform for others to hear her voice on this issue.
Social media is a beast to fight, and the second Spring’s TikTok video went viral, the world was fighting for her. She tweeted the three videos along with the caption, “Twitter do your thing,” and that they did.
Social media presence is overlooked in today’s society as an environment for false advertising or unrealistic norms when, in reality, it is simply an audience to hear your voice. Social media is one common source that is equal grounds to every demographic group worldwide.
Hundreds of thousands of people ran to Twitter looking for “Justice for Kylah.” Many peers or fellow media users managed their power and voice by finding justice for the situation.
Within 15 hours of the incident, Rosing lost her “Campus Influencer” role for the Dillard’s department store, where she was considered a brand ambassador. If that doesn’t show the media’s power, we’ll never find out.
Photo credit: Sophia Rosing’s Instagram @sophiarosing__
The department store chain took to Twitter, stating, “Dillard’s does not condone this behavior. Her relationship with Dillard’s has been terminated immediately.”
Dillard’s had to let their customers and audience understand where they stood on the situation, and what better way than on social media?
Although many comments under Spring’s viral video of the attack questioned why she didn’t fight back, today’s society would’ve completely flipped the script if she acted any differently.
Spring took to Instagram, stating, “I stand on the shoulders of a strong community and strong black women that I admire.” Said Spring. “Please continue to be kind. We will be heard, and we will prevail. Keep sharing and keep healing.”
Meanwhile, Rosing cried to social media attempting to apologize, following with, “I lost everything literally 💔 & now have to fear for my life.”
However, technology nowadays has handed a few individuals some infamous authority, giving this group a platform they once didn’t have. Rosing’s friends tagged her on IG in outrageous and underlyingly racist posts stating, “you might be in jail, but you still putting game on ni96as tails.”
Photo screenshot via Instagram @theyluv.ryleigh09
This statement came following a few hundred comments about associating friends co-opting a culture that doesn’t quite match.
As today’s society grows and becomes further equipped with social network platforms and the internet, we fail to realize the permanent mark posts, tweets and comments can be.
Those remarks can be screenshotted and reposted for other users to repost. Cyberbullying is another factor created within the new media norms, allowing trolls and anonymous accounts to bully or gossip about false content.
We live in an era where social media is a tool. Many misuse their power and platform, while others find their voice, fight for their beliefs, and influence their audience. Kylah Springs earned her light and allowed her beliefs to be heard. Meanwhile, she brought attention to the immature acquaintances of Sophia Rosing.
Official video:
https://nypost.com/2022/11/08/kentucky-student-kylah-spring-speaks-out-after-racist-attack/
Kylah’s Tiktok explanation:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ky.janalise/video/7162886802599152938?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1
