A few music artists such as Stevie Wonder, Eddie Levert, and Mary Mary have stated that they will not perform in Florida until “Stand Your Ground” is repealed. Will any professional athlete from the NBA, NFL or MLB take a major stance and have the courage to speak out in regards to the injustice currently taking place in the United States of America? We hope and we wait.
Do you remember Tommie Smith and John Carlos? They were the 1968 Olympic athletes who had their heads bowed on the medal podium while simultaneously raising their fists high to the sky (known by many as giving the Black Power Salute).
What about Muhammad Ali who was associated with Malcolm X and vehemently refused to go to Vietnam? Powerful statements were made by athletes in the 1960’s. What impact can today’s athletes have on addressing major societal issues?
As a player with the Miami Heat, Lebron James is probably the most popular person in the entire state of Florida. Since the George Zimmerman not guilty verdict was handed down last week, there has been a deafening silence on the part of Mr. James. Earlier last year, James organized his team to take a picture with hoodies as a sign of support for the Martin family. He also wrote ‘R.I.P. Trayvon Martin‘ on his shoes, while his teammate Dwyane Wade wrote “We Want Justice“.
Sports columnist, Dave Zirin, recently came out with a thought provoking article in The Nation entitled Standing With Trayvon, Waiting On Lebron. In reference to Lebron James, Zirin states…
You once said that your dream was to be “a global icon like Muhammad Ali.” That takes a hell of a lot more than just titles. It takes a certain dogged persistence on questions many simply don’t want asked. As Ali once said, “I know I got it made while the masses of black people are catchin’ hell, but as long as they ain’t free, I ain’t free.” Freedom still eludes far too many. When the verdict came down, your teammate Dwyane Wade said, ““Wow!!! Stunned!!! Saddened as a father!!! Some1 make sense of this verdict for me right now please!!! Don’t worry I’ll wait…” You’ve still said nothing. Anything would mean something. Even simple words of support and prayer for the Martin family would matter.
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