Two men found a target on the Walnut Street Bridge in Chattanooga

In this week’s episode “Begging Knows America” CBS News contributor David Begnaud took on a spontaneous mission to find an inspiring story in 48 hours. With only a plane ticket and a destination, Begnaud landed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, determined to meet new people and learn stories.

A Call for Kindness

The journey began at the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge, where Benyo held a sign that read, “I’m looking for history.” It didn’t take long before someone came in. That someone was 22-year-old Ben Pate, a college student majoring in psychology with a passion for helping others.

“I think empathy and compassion are some of the most powerful forces in the world,” Pate said. He shared that seeing acts of kindness and supporting those in need “lit his soul.” He recently helped a homeless woman by bringing her water and ibuprofen, and the experience inspired him.

“There was also a part of me that said I wish I could have done more,” Pate said.

Healing through music

Begnaud later returned to the bridge, hoping to find the singer he had heard the night before. Musician Matthew Hicks performs almost every evening at sunset. Hicks faced personal challenges, losing his mother to cancer as a teenager. For Hicks, music is more than just an outlet, it’s a way to connect with others.

“I definitely love singing,” he said. “It’s like a spectrum. You have depression on this side, and if you tap into it, the expression will be on this side. If you can get here, if you can express some expression, it will pull you back out of this.” “

David Begnaud loves to get to the heart of every story and will continue to do so, highlighting everyday heroes and proving there is good news in the news with his CBS Morning exclusive series, Begnaud Knows America. Every Monday, prepare yourself for moments that will make you smile or even shed a tear. Do you have a story about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary for someone else? Email David and his team at [email protected].

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