For decades, Black athletes have played a significant role in utilizing their platforms to push the narrative towards justice for African Americans in society. In 1967 Muhammad Ali stood up for his right to decline the option to enlist in the Vietnam war. Gold and Bronze Track medalists, Tommie Smith and John Carlos used the 1968 Summer Olympics stage to protest the unfair treatment of Black people by raising the Black Power salute fist. These men are still reaping the repercussions from this bold stance seen around the world.
In the year 2020, the unlawful shooting of Jacob Blake that occurred by the hands of Kenosha Wisconsin police officer, Rusten Sheskey, prompted the Milwaukee Bucks NBA team to lead the stance of boycotting tonight’s 2020 Playoffs game. Six teams collaboratively agreed, and therefore the NBA announced that all games are postponed and will resume at a later date.
The WNBA also made their voices heard by declining the option to play their games as well. The Washington Mystics made a public statement wearing white t-shirts with seven bullet holes on the back, as Jacob Blake’s name was spelled collectively on the front.
Two-time Grand Champion Tennis star, Naomi Osaka, has also announced she will not participate in the Western & Southern Open semifinals scheduled for August 26.
Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer teams have also joined in the fight against racial injustice by postponing their games.
Glitter&Gumbo is proud to support these athletes and look forward to promoting change in our country where all, especially Black lives, can receive acknowledgment, respect, and justice to protect our future.
