In today’s world of multimillion dollar endorsement deals and the enhanced image consciousness that accompanies them, many of today’s professional athletes resist the temptation to take a stand on hot button issues. That’s why it’s refreshing to see Miami Heat superstars LeBron James and Dwayne Wade speak out against the senseless violence that claimed the life of Trayvon Martin.
Friday, James tweeted a link to a photo of him and his teammates dressed in hooded sweatshirts aka hoodies. The message also contained the text, “#WeAreTrayvonMartin #Hoodies #Stereotyped #WeWantJustice.”
If you haven’t been following the news, the 17-year old Martin was killed Feb. 26 by a volunteer neighborhood watchman who claimed he was “acting suspicious.” The teenager, dressed in a hoodie, was returning to the home at which he was staying after picking up some snacks at a local mart. His killer, George Zimmerman, has not been arrested.
In addition to the image, Wade recently spoke with the Associated Press and shared his feeling on the killing.
“This situation hit home for me because last Christmas, all my oldest son wanted as a gift was hoodies,” he stated. “So when I heard about this a week ago, I thought of my sons. I’m speaking up because I feel it’s necessary that we get past the stereotype of young, black men and especially with our youth.”
We’re far from the days when the greatest black athletes were also some of the greatest champions for civil rights. Athletes like Muhammad Ali, Bill Russell, Jim Brown and Tommie Smith inspired countless Americans to stand up for what was right, despite the backlash of those on the other side of the fence.
Now with the 24-hour news cycle, social media and swarming paparazzi, athletes and entertainers are heavily influenced by the almighty corporate dollar…and the threat of losing access to it. But with today’s youth looking up to entertainers and athletes as much as ever, it’s refreshing to see athletes as influential as James and Wade making a public stand for justice.
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