On July 14, 2016 the 2016 ESPY Awards opened in an important and powerful way. Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James all stood on stage, side by side, calling for change of all the violence that has for decades and most recently been a problem in the United States. Watching these four influential voices speak out against the terror that has been plaguing the streets was an emotional and eye opening moment for the sports world.
People don't realize that the sports world and the athletes that make up it are a powerful resource in the fight for change. An international industry that reaches to so many people has the power to make a difference, but this only happens if those involved in the industry are ready, prepared and willing to demand to see change.
As LeBron James put it in his portion of the speech alongside his fellow NBA players, "We all have to do better. We all feel helpless and frustrated by the violence. That's not acceptable. It's time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves: what are we doing to create change?"
It can be thought that athletes are no more than there to play their sport and entertain us all, but as members of one of the largest industries in the world they end up representing so much more. Yes, they can lead by example and be role models to future generations, but in the dire state the country is in right now there needs to be more done. As professional athletes, they have the power and resources to combat this violence. They have the influence to promote peace and unity throughout the different sectors of the american population. More importantly, they have the ability to reach out to thousands as they are looked upon as figures to their franchises and fans.
Professional athletes can't do this alone, but that doesn't mean they should do nothing. In fact, they should do more. Change doesn't happen overnight, the violence in America won't be fixed with one speech made at one award show with four famous men. But this influential moment on stage is a start. It's a start for there to be change, it's a start to make athletes aware of just how much influence they have. The world that athletes are involved in is a unifying place that is made up of so many different types of people, and this why they have the ability to do more.
With great talent comes great responsibility and professional athletes embody both those aspects. A single person can't change the world, but a single person can start a movement and have it expand upon the masses. This is what professional athletes have the ability and chance to do as leaders of their communities.
Professional athletes have the ability to reach billions of people with this movement and call towards change in the world, and from there, perhaps change can actually happen.
"The time is now. I'm all in. Take charge. Take action. Demand change." - Carmelo Anthony
