By Dr. Fred J. Cromartie, Ed. D. |
We have all seen the protesting that is taking place in the United States and around the world. Many are engaging in important conversations and disagreement or agreement with the protestors is not what is needed. What is needed is for you to understand why the protests are taking place.
In Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s recent Los Angeles Times op-ed, the NBA legend wrote that global protests against police brutality and systemic racism are the result of people being “pushed to the edge.” In the piece, Abdul-Jabbar speaks to and advocates for their right to demonstrate with the majority standing up for social justice and social change. The piece offers a perspective with the hope of aiding in your understanding in America’s latest attempt to evolve into a better version of itself. He has eloquently written a powerful message.
Some might say that his perspective does not matter, but his perspective does matter and the reason that it does is due to the fact that Abdul-Jabbar has since the 1960s participated in and directly campaigned for racial equality, justice, and social change. He did so along with other notable legends of sport such as Muhammad Ali, Bill Russell, and Jim Brown.
You can read Abdul-Jabbar’s piece here.
Kareem Abdul-Jabber was a great college and NBA player and continues to be known as a prominent activist for sport and the world.
Dr. Cromartie is the Director of Doctoral Studies at the United States Sports Academy.