and it’s important to remember why.
by D-Wayne Taylor
In 2016, when protests against police brutality swept across the United States, the conversation about equality and lack of diversity flowed effortlessly through workplaces, community organizations, and — most noticeably — sports.
I will always remember the first time I saw someone kneeling during the Anthem. Mostly because of the incredible dichotomy between the audience. Some loved it, some literally wished death on those kneeling, or sitting. Then immediately, a conversation about equality and its meaning, interpretation, and impact would pop up. and for years, no matter where I went, it happened the same way…it was actually instant. Unorthodox civic engagement on a wild scale.
Insert 2020.
We watched games at home, streamed from our bedrooms, couches, and living rooms. Sure, there were threads on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter — as with most global issues, social media never really took a break. But as communities, we took a hit. The face-to-face engagement with our neighbors is part of what makes community discourse so powerful.
Even calls that I fielded from people curious about the importance of protests happening after the murder of George Floyd were far and wide supportive and forward-thinking. The tough(good) ones came hand-in-hand with being in the same room with one or multiple people with varying opinions and backgrounds trying to understand what was happening and how they play a role in what happens next.
Let's hop to 2022.
I was at a basketball game in February and got a flashback to 2016. After an entire season of basketball with no direct protests, I witnessed a team kneel together during the national anthem IN PERSON.
Remember when I said instant?
The energy shifted. Some scoffed while people in the very same row whispered in admiration. The anthem ends, people are chattering. There are only about 30 seconds to talk uninterrupted until the PA announcer starts announcing team lineups and I swear, it feels like everyone is stretching those few seconds as much as they can— looking around, gesturing to others, talking to neighbors, and showing video taken of the protest during the Anthem. The game starts, but that doesn’t mean the conversation ended.
After the game, I ran into a couple that I knew. The very first thing they brought up wasn’t the score, refs, dynamic plays, none of it. It was kneeling during the anthem. “Is it 2016”?… “I thought we were done with that”… “I can’t believe their coach lets them play after doing that”, etc. I encourage them to consider that kneeling sparks incredibly necessary conversations about injustice and equality, regardless of how difficult they may be. We dig deeper for about 10 minutes, then cordially part ways. That wave of nostalgia was full. An open conversation about race, equality, protest, respect, and diversity…all because an athlete made a statement.
If I may, I’d encourage you to do the same. As you get used to being back in person for your daily life, use those moments as more than a pole to hang your flag on. Start a conversation, dig deeper into a friend, family member, or stranger's comment or questions. As we communicate with our diverse community honestly, our understanding and respect for each other has no other choice but to grow.
Also, I’ve gotta recommend a wonderful read from my fellow author Jay Wilkinson who also notes, civility needs a major comeback.
