My Monthly Sports Minute: Sports and Equality
The idea that “all men are created equal” is a concept that’s all too familiar to me. It’s preached throughout the world, but unfortunately it is not practiced nearly as much as it should be. Whether its racism, ageism, sexism, or even religion, social injustice and discrimination are issues that break all barriers.
Growing up as a Black man in America, I remember having “the talk” at a young age. It wasn’t the birds and bees talk. It was “the talk” of realistic expectations, what lies ahead in life, and how to handle being treated differently. My mom told me I could be be anything I wanted to be. She said I had all the potential in the world. She told me the sky was the limit, as long as I worked hard and I didn’t take shortcuts in life.
Then, my mom’s eyes would lose a bit of their sparkle as she said nobody owes me anything, life’s not always fair, and I would be judged and treated differently my entire life because of the color of my skin. Although I first had “the talk” with her over three decades ago, nothing has really changed. In fact, some may say things have even gotten worse.
“Sport has the power to change the world … It is more powerful than government in breaking down barriers” — Nelson Mandela
When I think about “bridging gaps,” I immediately think of sports. Sports has always been a way to bring people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds together for a common goal of competition and comaraderie.
I think of athletes like Muhammad Ali who was stripped of his boxing title and put in jail for standing up for what he believed, at the time, was his God-given right. Or, Colin Kaepernick who lost his promising career after he kneeled to stand up for injustice and police brutality towards Black people. Many looked at these acts as selfish, but, in hindsight, they now seem more selfless.
Sports has always been seen as just entertainment. A getaway from the world’s problems. It is so much more. Today’s athletes have larger than life personas, but they are expected to “stay in their lanes.” Now, more than ever, it’s all of our jobs to use our voice and platform to advocate for healing and positive change. From Steven Jackson to LeBron James to MJ to Dak Prescott, it’s time to stand together and let these influential athletes use their voice and platform for more than just our entertainment or pleasure. Let them stand for what they believe in and show they are human just like everyone else. Let’s rally behind them and pray for change and healing throughout the world.
Martyrs like Trayvon Martin and George Floyd deserve to have others speak up for them after they are gone. Recent protests were a start — to show Black people’s pain and hurt in hopes of reform and change. Let’s not let any Black martyrs death be in vain. #SayTheirNames #BlackLivesMatter
— Jonathan Waddell
