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You’d have to have your head in the sand yesterday to miss out what was going on around the country. And instead of avoiding the topic and sticking to sports when no sports are actually going on, I figured we’d take the opportunity to highlight some voices from the Mizzou community.
Starting off with a few coaches:
I pray for Justice. I pray for the courage to stand for what is right. I pray for the end of hate n our country. I pray for those hurting, and afraid. I pray that we see the NEED FOR CHANGE pic.twitter.com/rCl7jzfBIr
— Eliah Drinkwitz (@CoachDrinkwitz) May 30, 2020
These past couple of days have weighed heavily on my heart. I pray for George Floyd’s family during this time. He was unjustly treated and because of it, lost his life. This is wrong and must end if our nation is to move in the right direction.
— Joshua Taylor (@JoshTaylorMUVB) May 30, 2020
I am deeply saddened by the death of #GeorgeFloyd and other similar injustices. MY HEART IS SO HEAVY. I am committed to being a part of change in our society that should not tolerate these senseless acts of violence and blatant inequalities.
— Robin Pingeton (@CoachPingeton) May 30, 2020
Now some current and former Mizzou players, mostly on the football side:
If they ain’t listen when Colin did it in peace...maybe it’s time we open they eyes up wit something else... https://t.co/Jr723gwN1T
— MyLifeMatters (@DanielParkerJr) May 30, 2020
And for those of you who “support” me and want me to keep my thoughts to myself. Please unfollow me from every social network. #blacklivesmatter
— Aijha Blackwell (@AijhaAnniece) May 29, 2020
Crazy when I leave the house I wonder will I be racially profiled or killed by a cop ♂️. #BlackLivesMatter
— Ennis Rakestraw Jr (@EnnisRakestraw) May 28, 2020
I’m really really tired of seeing people of my color hurtin my brothers and sister hurt cry and suffer and nothing’s being done this shit is sickening and if your keeping “quite” you have no reason to follow me I pray God heals all and every African American effected by this.
— Jack Buford (@jackjack2k19) May 30, 2020
Why is it deemed controversial to speak out about what happened to George Floyd and many other unarmed black individuals on and off camera? Where is the controversy in promoting change and equality for black people? #BLM https://t.co/DDvF3KEPgj
— Albert Okwuegbunam (@AOkwuegbunam) May 30, 2020
How you gone catch me everytime : pic.twitter.com/5B4z892a09
— . (@Cjay5k) May 30, 2020
This is how you choose a side in love ladies and gentlemen ❤️ much love man https://t.co/0ShpsCosB6
— Gerald Lamon Nathan Jr. G16™ (@geraldnathanjr) May 31, 2020
These questions right here everybody knows the answer to and the only controversy comes when you act like you don’t. It should never be controversial to stand up, speak up, and save lives. https://t.co/W10XMFG4WK
— Kendall Jamarr© (@TheKspecial_) May 30, 2020
They thought we was crazy for what we was doing at Mizzou though. That was just the tip of the iceberg.
— Russell Hansbrough (@imthatnike) May 31, 2020
Living in Ferguson, and being in St. Louis when the Black Lives Matter movement started, I feel I learned a lot from that situation. Being white and male you don’t have to think about yourself or your safety the way others do. But I listened, and I learned.
Sports is a wonderful uniter for everyone. We can cheer for players on the field or court and be one loud voice of support for these athletes playing for our favorite team. Sports brings people from all different social and economic backgrounds together, in the stands and in the locker room. It’s really pretty amazing how much of a unifier it can be.
But equality doesn’t exist in this country, and hasn’t existed since its founding. The country was founded as an experiment, and that experiment was only as good as the people involved. But people are flawed, and we tried to do right, but haven’t quite gotten there yet. But the great thing about this country is nothing is ever static. We can continue to make it better and more equitable.
Sometimes it’s best to listen as much as possible during these times. I’m listening, and hopeful.
—— as always, feel free to discuss the events but please keep the conversation civil. Before you jump in though, just take a minute to think about what you want to say. Then really think about if it needs to be said. :)