'I'm not a bum, I'm a human being' - R.I.P. Ron Davis, who died homeless. His words live on.

Ron Davis' plea for dignity as a homeless man - "I'm not a bum, I'm a human being" - has been seen by 27 MILLION people on Facebook and millions more on YouTube since we posted this video in 2013. Sadly, Ron died last year - without family around him. His son, who didn't know his whereabouts, didn't even know he died until a month later. So, so SAD.

But Ron lives on through his powerful words: "I'm not a bum. I'm a human being."

Here's the original, touching 4-min video of Ron being interviewed on the street - putting a face to people we see daily, randomly, on the street. Ron describes his life being homeless, and he chokes up with tears as he describes the indignities.

This video was shot in 2012 by a team of students at DePaul University, under the supervision of Media Ethics professor Kim Clark

Let's look beyond the surface, to people's hearts.

Join our community where EVERYONE Matters!

#everyonematters #blacklivesmatter

[Gmacc]

To many people so easily forget to treat each other as humans.

[rmyxp]

He was more rich in spirit & humanity than most people could ever hope to be.

[trickyleblanc]

I cried so hard at this.. Nobody should ever have to live on the street and go hungry. Nobody should ever have to die alone..RIP Ron

[thepeaceteacher]

This video has been and will continue to be used in my Peace Studies class to explain the importance of caring for those less fortunate. Here is something else they learn, perhaps some of you that read this should too - "You will be judged by whomever you believe does so by what you are willing to do for other people; without discriminating against who, and without expectation of anything in return." Please care!

[nicolasvanhamme]

Life was difficult for him... RIP Ronald and I hope your words will never be forgotten by the millions of people who heard them.

[caratsoups]

i’m so heartbroken by this finding out he passed away. i was hoping he was doing well and is getting so much support. he still is getting lots of love when resting. i’m sorry that his life was tough trying to find a way to live. May you rest in peace Ronald Davis.

[jakubmaliszewski]

RIP Mr Davis :-( U can really hear this man was proud man!!! Hope He will get comfy bed, table full of food whenever God gonna find place for Him!!!

[AngryGinja]

Rest easy warrior.. you're stronger than most of us

[ryanmitchell]

First time I saw this video it made my cry… I searched the comment section to see if anyone had found him and set up a go fund me… then I learned he died homeless and it crippled me.

This man done his best clearly. Just needed help and the system let him down.

Rip to a man who just needed a second chance. 😔

[evisw]

I wish we had been able to help Ron sooner, I only found out today.. devastated

[ronaldyoung]

I just saw this video for the first time! 12/24/21 I had tears rolling down my cheeks watching it! I went straight to the comments to try and find him and help him anyway I could! I hated reading of his passing! REST IN PEACE MY brother! I am a 100% disabled veteran from Arkansas on a limited income and I was hoping to find out where he was nowadays and if his situation was better or not! If not I was going to find him, get him a phone, off the streets if I had to bring him home with me to Arkansas, help him find a job and help him get himself back on his feet! You can tell he was a good person with a good soul! I’m a 53 year old white man from the south by the way! Doesn’t matter one bit! We’re ALL Americans in this together! If you see my comment, no matter where you live, what race you are, or how wealthy or poor you are, please remember his words and try your best to be the best human being you can!

[missc]

This was so sad to watch it made me cry. God bless his soul may he rest in peace. I hate that we have homelessness it should never be! I also hate cruel and wicked people who walk on by looking down their nose - but they will surely reap what they sow!

[tjcougarfootball]

Still breaks my heart and any person who was calling this man a bum better pray to God you don't come up short one day with you back against the wall. Life will humble any and everyone

[hannahbeth]

I see a little boy in him. Rip Ron you made my heart swell this morning. Thank you for you!

[ivisalexander]

My 23 yr old so..share this story...he cares about homeless people..this touch us all...God help him..people help and stop judging others....brother praying f you

[brandywilliams-galette]

A friend of mine posted this on fb and it touched my heart. For years I have been trying to open a homeless shelter. I will have it one day. Listening to this man has made me push harder. May he R.I.P💕😭

[AL-sgjd]

RIP. inshallah you will never have a bad moment again. You seemed to be so kindhearted and genuine. Your life was not a waste. You’ve touched millions of lives with your words and I believe inspired many to help others less fortunate. I’m sure if U knew the impact u had, u would be glad to have gone thru what u went thru so that it ended up helping others. Rest In Peace my brother.

[luigiprovencher]

RIP Mr.Davis I'm sorry that life was so hard for you.

[maloneaqua]

I don’t care how good you’ve got it we are all one tragedy away from being a “bum.” No one is immune to accidents, trauma, addiction or the high costs of healthcare. Hell, one unexpected diagnosis in the US could throw a millionaire into bankruptcy, I see it in my profession at least monthly.
No one is too high they can’t be brought down to their knees. Shame on the fool who cursed this man.

[ejfrmdaville]

I took life for granted. Man this got me in tears