My Monthly Sports Minute: Sports and Social Injustice
Sports and Social Injustice.
When it comes to performing the latest hip hop dances in locker rooms and celebratory dances in end zones, Black athletes like myself are praised and “pumped up.” When we are winning championships for large organizations, we are celebrated and supported. Coaches love to call their athletes “sons” or “daughters” during training camp and in season. But, what happens when said “children” are backed into a corner by an unjust society? Why don’t we feel praised, celebrated, supported, or anything like family to America then? When we cry out to the same people who sing our praises during sporting events, why do Black athletes feel like all of sudden we are not being heard?
America hears Black athletes’ acceptance speeches on the ESPYs, game interviews, and championship platforms. But, when we speak about matters of the heart, no one wants to stay around to hear them or even ask questions to better understand us. America will pay thousands of dollars to get the closest seat and watch us compete, but where is America when they have a free ticket to support us on the front lines of issues that matter most. America argues about stats and who is better than who but when will America argue about the injustices that Black Americans are faced with every single day?
Instead, when we fail to comply, Black athletes are pegged with “shut up and dribble” comments or even death threats. We want to be heard. We want the same platforms and support for social justice issues that we get from fans when we hold up trophies. We want a real seat at the table when talking about reform and policy change. We can do far more than shut up and dribble. We are full of innovation, intelligence, and pride. #BlackExcellence
When will America notice that Black people are deserving of praise, celebration, support, and RESPECT on and off of the playing field?
Juneteenth freed Black people, but how free are we? Or, has the face of racism simply created new avenues to inconspicuously implement a new form of enslavement? What does it truly mean to be a “free” African-American?
Feeling anxious and nervous around the people sent to protect us — police — as Black people, doesn’t feel so free. Realizing that we have to work 10 times harder to be considered for the same seats as our White peers doesn’t feel so free. Knowing that we have to basically live a life of perfection to avoid our families being torn apart, does not feel free. Receiving harsher penalties for the same mistakes as our White peers, does not feel free. I could go on and on …
But, again I ask, when will America notice the greatness and richness inside of Black people? Or do Americans still not care? Is that why the government passes unfair legislation and turns blind eyes to things we notice as obvious injustices? Is it an effort to promote feelings in us that we are undeserving, unsupported, and disrespected? Black people built this country and it’s time that America starts treating us as such! #BlackLivesMatter
— Kimara Morgan
