In the wake of the police violence that defined the news cycle at the beginning of July, Carmelo Anthony stepped up not only to say that he was standing with Black Lives Matter activists and calling for change, but also to call on other athletes to do the same. Encouragingly, amazingly, others have heeded the call, from the WNBA all the way to Michael Jordan himself. Now, the star of MJ’s Charlotte Hornets, Kemba Walker, is adding his voice to keep the momentum going.
In a piece for The Players’ Tribune, Kemba echoed Carmelo’s statements that athletes, with their increased visibility, have an added responsibility to lend their voice to important social issues.
I know a lot of people might have strong opinions about the injustice we’ve seen recently, and I can definitely understand why some folks wouldn’t want to say anything — because of how their fans might react, or how people might view them. Sponsorships could be jeopardized. Money is on the line. It’s a risk, no doubt. But, let’s be real: Those risks aren’t much in comparison to the risks that many people in communities across the nation take every day in trying to bring about change.
If this is emblematic of a rising tide in activism among America’s pro athletes, it couldn’t come at a more needed time. The presidential election is heating up, and thanks to the presence of Donald Trump, it has taken on a reality-show feel where the importance of the facts seems to wither in the face of personal narratives. Trump wanted a cascade of celebrities at the RNC, and it didn’t turn out great. If some really famous people like Jordan and Melo start to get involved, maybe the side of logic and reason can have some familiar faces as well.
(Via The Player’s Tribune)
