White Drum Major John Heiderman Used His Virality for Good

In Montgomery, Alabama — the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement — there's a high school drum major who's gaining attention.

On Wednesday, Jefferson Davis High School's Justin Heideman was profiled by the local ABC affiliate for his impressive dance moves with the school's band. Called "Vanilla Funk" by his peers, the news outlet notes that he's a "white student, leading a predominantly Black band," as a reason for the excitement around him.

"Not only is he a drum major. He's the head drum major," the commentator says. "His unique style recently lit up social media."

The clip of Justin dancing initially went viral in October after an account called Pubby Longway posted it to Instagram with humorous overdub. When asked about the virality of his video, Justin shared with local news that he had 800 followers that morning and by the time he got off of work, he had 10,000.

But Justin also used his moment to make an important point about the overwhelming attention he's received. "Without this band, I wouldn't be the viral sensation ... Like, finally, people catch the hard work we do." Adding, "I just see it as I'm somebody that just happens to be a different race doing what other people have done." Yet the news report closes the segment by saying, "The viral video sensation proving, it's not how you look but what you can do that truly sets you apart."

Justin's point is completely missed.

This isn't the first time a white person has gotten mainstream attention for existing in predominantly Black spaces: There was La Petite Blonde, who made it on The Ellen Show for her Afrobeat dance moves; Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland, who gained notoriety in 2011 for rapping Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass"; and the less-family-friendly Danielle Bregoli, also known as Bhad Bhabie, who went viral in 2016 for creating a catchphrase on The Dr. Phil Show.

And while praising young people for their talent runs across the board, something reads disingenuous when white talent is bolstered by major media outlets as a phenomenon (especially when that talent comes from Black culture) — all the while Black and brown creators largely go ignored until their talent is undeniable or record-breaking.

In Justin's case, it's great that he's excelling as his band's lead drum major. But what's even more compelling is him using his newly found platform to highlight the work of others — without them, he wouldn't be where he is today.

Let us slide into your DMs. Sign up for the Teen Vogue daily email.

Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: How White People Can Hold Each Other Accountable to Stop Institutional Racism

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue