"We all feel helpless and frustrated by the violence, we do. But it's not acceptable. It's time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves, what are we doing to create change?" LeBron James said.
On July 13, ESPN hosted the 24th annual ESPY awards, held to recognize indiviudal and team atlethic achievement and sports related performances.
Many special guests made appearance on the award show, but nothing topped the powerful call to action that Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James opened with. These four NBA stars spoke out about current and past events that involve police shootings, gun violence and the racial turmoil that has been brought to the forefront of our country. These stars spoke about renouncing violence and race in a conivcting manner, suggesting that it is time to shine a light on the "injustice, distrust and anger" that rests among many of us, said Anthony.
Within the past month, the United States has seen two deaths of African-American men due to police brutality. And in response, the death of five police officers in Dallas, Texas. Unfortunately, this seems to be a recurring theme in our country. However, due to the most recent shootings, "The urgency to create change is at an all-time high," said Anthony.
Each one of these men took a stance on our country's disparity and lack of justice. But, they also emphasized the importance that, as athletes, they are examples not only on the court, but in their communities. Wade stated that as athletes, they need to challenge one another to do even more in their own communities. James added to that statement by saying, "...And most importantly, go back to our communities, invest our time, our resources, help rebuild them, help strengthen them, help change them."
Renouncing violence and calling each other to challenge is something that the people, professional athletes or not, needed. The power of each of the athletes' statements will resonate with many. This does not just speak to athletes, it speaks to the African-American community, it speaks to the white community, it speaks to every ethnicity and nationality present here in our country. The racial divide is still very much alive and visible, and these men did a great job speaking on it.
Of course one speech is not enough to change the nation overnight, but in my personal opinion, exercising the platform that these men hold to advocate for change is so moving. If every celebrity used their platform to advocate for a better, equal and more stable country, could you imagine the difference the entertainment and media industry could have on our society?
I applaud you, ESPN, for creating a truthful environment at the ESPY awards for those of us who needed the reminder.
