Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon shared his thoughts on current affairs in the United States and abroad.
“A restless energy has consumed me for the past week, and initially I couldn’t figure out how to relieve it. I’ve witnessed protests over the past decade for Trayvon Martin and Mike Brown and all the other people suffering from excessive violence, but this one felt different,” Brogdon wrote in USA Today.
"Black people in America are fighting two viruses," writes Malcolm Brogdon of the Indiana Pacers for @usatodaysports. https://t.co/q5OAjw1SL2
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) June 5, 2020
The U.S. has been in the midst of civil unrest since the killing of George Floyd.
Protesters have gathered in major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Boston, to demand justice for Floyd’s murder, and the pervading impact of systemic racism.
“When I joined Jaylen Brown, a member of the Boston Celtics, last weekend to march with peaceful protesters in Atlanta, I gained a greater respect for the bravery and courage it has required for generations of leaders before us to stand up to their oppressors,” Brogdon said.
Brogdon laid out additional measures that we need to continue to address to make meaningful change.
“We must have justice for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable.”
“We must see the humanity in each other, so that we can lead with compassion, rather than hate.”
“We must recognize that peaceful protest works because we create community and demonstrate our commitment to a cause. It helps people understand our pain and what needs to change.”
“We must tear down the barriers erected to prevent our participation in elections. And we must vote at every level – local, state and federal – to support the people who will fight for us.”
“We must demand accountability of our elected officials and law enforcement and change the policies that encourage over-policing and use of excessive force in black communities.”
“We all must educate ourselves and participate. Together we can fight for the change that enables our country to live up to its promise for all of its citizens.”
As we look forward to the future, may Brogdon’s words of peace, unity, and strength not be forgotten.