Hollywood’s biggest stars aligned Sunday evening in Los Angeles for the 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards. While many are still buzzing about Lena Waithe and Donald Glover’s history-making wins — Waithe is the first black woman to win an award for comedy writing while Glover is the first black person to win best director for a comedy series — an unlikely winner also emerged during the show: Washington, D.C.’s public schools.
Comedian Dave Chappelle was the first to shout out D.C. Public Schools when he took the stage to hand out the Emmy for best director in a comedy series. Though Chappelle admitted to improvising most of the dialogue leading up to the award, before announcing the names of the nominees he joked, “Now I’m going to read this teleprompter,” he said. “Please forgive me. Shout out to D.C. Public Schools.”
Chappelle wasn’t the only one to send love to D.C. Public Schools. “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver also acknowledged the district’s students and teachers during his acceptance speech for winning Best Writing for a Variety Series.
“Like Dave Chappelle, I would like to unexpectedly thank D.C. Public Schools because I think it would be great if it started trending on Twitter for no reason tonight whatsoever,” Oliver said before encouraging Twitter users to “please use the hashtag #DCPublicSchools.”
Almost immediately #DCPublicSchools began trending on the social media platform, with many using the hashtag as an opportunity to shine a light on the district’s students and teachers.
D.C. Public Schools’ social media manager must have been watching the show, because soon after Chappelle and Oliver shouted them out, someone from the district took to Twitter to thank the comedians and share their plans for the future.
This isn’t the first time D.C. Public Schools became a viral sensation on Twitter. Earlier this month, Former President Barack Obama stopped by McKinley Technology High School to welcome a stunned group of young people back to school.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.