Colin Kaepernick was right. The unwarranted killing of unarmed people of color at the hands of the police is out of control. Taking a knee to bring attention to the matter was the right thing to do. Three years later, another unarmed African American man is killed over a counterfeit bill discrepancy, and it is caught on camera for the world to see. The NFL says it now backs the social injustice movement after George Floyd’s death. In 2020, athletes used their voices to effect social change in the United States. Not since the 1960s have we seen athletes vocal about hot-button issues related to race and ethnicity.
A close friend of George Floyd, former NBA player Stephen Jackson, was one of the first players on the ground in Minnesota in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to support the family and speak publicly. His heartfelt speech was powerful and enlightening, telling the story of George Floyd, the person. The picture he painted was a very human depiction of a man dying from a knee pressing against his neck for almost nine minutes.
Athletes are finding their voice in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Kyrie Irving and Dwight Howard have been outspoken about the notion that NBA players should not finish the season. Notable NBA players have elected not to finish the 2020 season in Orlando. Players are torn on whether they should play or use the basketball platform to push the agenda of equality and justice. Even Michael Jordan has supported the movement against racial injustice, while also donating money to the cause. WNBA players like Maya Moore are opting not to play and focus on social injustice. Football players like Ryan Clark talk about how racism and prejudice have affected him and his family. Tom Brady posted a pic of George Floyd. Drew Brees started with the argument that the flag was being disrespected, but then backtracked on his statement after his New Orleans Saints.
” Colin Kaepernick was right. The unwarranted killing of unarmed people of color at the hands of the police is out of control. “
Bubba Wallace has probably seen the most in racism, having to be around Confederate flags flying at NASCAR races. Found a noose in his garage. Received an outpouring of support from fellow drivers. Although President Donald Trump attacked Wallace and seemingly endorsed the use of the Confederate flag, most of the general public continues to support Wallace.
On college campuses, athletes are holding their coaches and administrators accountable. Mississippi Universities advocate the removal of the Confederate symbol from the state flag. UNLV removed the Rebel as its logo.
The glowing element here is that athletes are supporting the fight against social injustice. The idea of people with the mentality of prejudices and bigotry is slowly dying.
