Unjustly Accused: Black Teen Pageant Star and Juilliard Boyfriend Stopped by Police in Uber After Suspicious 911 Call

Faith Welch is an exemplary student at Greenport High School in Southold, New York. A frequent honor roll member, she serves as student council president, is a cheerleader, and participates as a JROTC cadet. This year, as a junior, she portrayed Fiona in the school's Shrek production and leads its African American Studies club, which she established.Beyond academics, Welch is a community activist devoted to researching African American history and the impacts of slavery on Long Island’s North Fork. She has organized the Village of Greenport’s Juneteenth celebration for two years and planned to address the town board on June 26, promoting the upcoming event.However, she entered that meeting mindful of another incident. Just weeks earlier, she and her boyfriend were stopped by police while waiting for an Uber. An erroneous report alleged they were acting suspiciously. Welch's compelling account of racial profiling at the meeting highlighted the far-reaching issue of young people of color being misperceived as threats in everyday situations.