Michael Jordan is “truly pained and plain angry.” Tony Dungy says “America is in a very sad place today.” Kyle Kuzma has “a heavy heart.” Some sports stars refuse to look the other direction and are coming together to sound off.
- Venus Williams
“I am deeply saddened that it has taken multiple acts of police brutality to make people painfully aware of the racism that still pervades America.
It shouldn’t.
This just scratches the surface of the hideous face of racism in America.
Take a moment to imagine this:
If police brutality can exist and be tolerated so many years at this scale, imagine the other insidious acts of racism that permeate our country:
In the workplace.
In the justice system.
In the healthcare system.
In the education system.
…
Speaking up about racism in the past was unpopular. It was shunned. No one believed you.
Until you have walked in these shoes, as an African American, it is impossible to understand the challenges you face in the country, in this world. What it is like to be unheard, thought of foolish, silly or reckless to believe that racism still exists at every level.
This is no longer falling on deaf ears.
I’m amazed at the solidarity that has erupted across the USA.
It has brought me to tears.
In the past, I had the honor of fighting for equal prize money for all women’s players at the grand slams in tennis. To make this even more simple to understand, just as sexism is not only a “women’s issue,” racism is not only a “black issue.” When we fought for and won equal prize money, everyone pitched in, men and women, all colors all races. And we won.
When the majority groups stay quiet, when they sit in the chair of disbelief, they unwittingly condone the oppression of marginalized groups. Those with power and privilege actually have an easier time getting heard. They must CONTINUALLY exercise that privilege!
We MUST win!
We cannot let systematic racism persist.
We have to love one another. Help one another. Listen to one another, believe one another, even if we don’t understand or will never walk in our neighbor’s shoes.
Keep speaking out. Speak out today, tomorrow, next month, next year, each and every day until all is equal for African Americans.
I am so happy, so relieved, as an African American, to finally be heard.
I pray for those who have lost their lives and for their families so America could finally wake up and act. #blacklivesmatter”
Photo and caption: Venus Williams Instagram Post
- Serena Williams
“I can’t and still can’t find the words to say or express how sad I feel…. but she found them for me. She found them for so many of us. A lot of us are numb… lost for words… I know I am. This is a difficult time. A lot of us growing up were taught to pray “Let thy kingdom come,” this is what I continue to pray for in addition to so many that have been hurt/killed, or simply traumatized by how people of a different color are treated. The worst part is this is nothing new, “it’s just filmed.” I’m with a heavy heart. I’m lost for words.
Video from @wealth”
Photo and caption: Serena Williams Instagram Post
- Michael Jordan
“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry. I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration. I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.
I don’t have the answers, but our collective voice is so strength and the inability to be divided by others. We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn our backs on senseless brutality. We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability. Our unified voice needs to put pressure on our leaders to change our laws, or else we need to use our vote to create systemic change. Everyone of us needs to be a part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.
My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd into the countless others whose lives have been brutally insensitive taking through acts of racism and injustice.”
Photo and caption: Michael Jordan Instagram Post
- Tony Dungy
“America is in a very sad place today. We have seen a man die senslessly, at the hands of the very people who are supposed to be protecting our citizens. We have seen people protest this death by destroying the property and dreams of people in their own community, the very people they are protesting for. We have many people pointing fingers and blame, painting opposite side with a broad brush. We have anger and bitterness winning out over logic and reason. We have distressed and prejudice winning out over love and respect.
What happened to George Floyd was inexcusable and that should never happen. Justice needs to be served, but in seeking justice we can’t fall into the trap of prejudging every police officer we see. Which started out as peaceful protest I’ve developed into arson and looting and that should never happen, either. Yes there should be protest. But we do not have license to perform criminal acts because we’re angry.
Today we are a divided country.
We are divided racially, politically, and socioeconomically. And Satan is laughing at us because that is exactly what he wants. Dysfunction, miss trust, and hatred helps his kingdom flourish.
Well, what is the answer then? I believe it has to start with those of us who claim to be Christians. We have to come to the forefront and demonstrate the qualities of the One we claim to follow, Jesus Christ. We can’t be silent. Is Dr. King said many years ago, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!” But we can’t go forward with judge mental, bitter, spirits. We need to be proactive, but do it in the spirit of trying to help make things better. And it can’t be just the Africa American churches. It has to be ALL Church is taking a stand and saying, ‘We are going to be on the forefront of meaningful dialogue and meaningful change.’ We have to be willing to speak the truth and love but we have to recognize that we are not fighting against other people. We are fighting against Satan and his kingdom of spiritual darkness.
In the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’
Romans 12:21 NIV”
Photo and caption: Tony Dungy Instagram Post
- Stephen Curry
“Today was a movement in Oakland! Thank you @juanonjuan10 for the leadership. Everybody play your role and be consistent with it. This is a real moment of change. Keep each other accountable. “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains!” #justiceforgeorgefloyd #breonnataylor#blm”
Photo and caption credit: Stephen Cury Instagram Post
- Lebron James
“STILL!!!! ???”
Photo and caption: Lebron James Instagram Post
- Kyle Kuzma
“Had a heavy heart last night. This just ain’t right. Violence is never the answer on both sides, but how the hell do you want us to say enough is enough? Kneel? Not good enough? March? Not enough? Say please?
This is all disturbing that it’s gotten to this. We all say as public figures we need to use our platforms to help inspire & give positive messages, but I have to ask the question to myself… Is it enough? During a global pandemic we as a country that should have been coming together as one, but we are divided once again because of the dislike and hate of one’s hue. Seriously? 400+ years. Yes there has been progress and we must recognize but we have been told that it takes time. Our great grandparents said it. Grandparents said it. Parents said it. WE ARE SAYING IT!! Enough is enough. Stand for something or fall for everything. ✊? Please stay safe everyone!”
Photo and caption: Kyle Kuzma Instagram Post
- Chris Paul
“At a loss for words…Can’t imagine continuing to have these conversations with my kids…How are they not arrested yet?? How much damn evidence do u need? And how the hell is this always an accident?? Somethin gotta give!!!! #GeorgeFloyd#EveryBlackChild”
Photo and caption: Chris Paul Instagram Post
- Carli Lloyd
“As I have had time to sit, think and reflect, I can’t begin to understand what it feels like to be judged based on the color of my skin and I honestly don’t have the right words but I am deeply angered and saddened by the unjust death of George Floyd and so many other innocent Black lives. My heart goes out to George Floyd’s family and friends. I’m devastated for the Black community that continues to be affected by racism, injustice, fear and prejudice in America. This must end. I’ve been fortunate enough to play soccer and play with it against women from all different races and backgrounds bridging unity and friendships. We must all be kind, love and respect one another, listen, and educate. I’m here for the black community, including my teammates and my friends to listen, learn, use my voice and help affect meaningful and lasting change.”
Photo and caption: Carli Lloyd Instagram Post
- Carson Wentz
“Been thinking about the George Floyd situation and thinking of the words to say & coming up empty. All I know is that the institutional racism in this country breaks my heart and needs to stop. Can’t even fathom what the black community has to endure on a daily basis.
Being from North Dakota, I’ve spent a large part of my life surrounded by people of similar color, so I’m never gonna act like I know what the black community goes through or even has gone through already. I’ll never know the feeling of having to worry about my kids going outside because if their skin color. However, I do know that we are all equal at the foot of the cross and Jesus taught us to value others’ lives like they were our own — regardless of skin tone.
So, this might seem like a ramble — and perhaps it is. I don’t understand the society we live in that doesn’t value all human life. It’s heartbreaking and disturbing. My prayers go out to every man, woman, and child that has to enter the effects of the racism in our society.”
Photo and caption: Carson Wentz Instagram Post
- JT Brown
“Today I saw my community giving, mourning, preaching, singing, cleaning, and demanding justice. Until you’ve walked the streets of America Black, you cannot tell us how to grieve. I am proud of the beauty and strength I saw today.”
Photo and caption: JT Brown Instagram Post
