Sports mirror the ideologies and values of society. This has been demonstrated through the NBA’s activism in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Historically, many NBA stars have been activists. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell were basketball pioneers when they attended the 1967 Cleveland Summit to defend Muhammad Ali from serving in Vietnam. Athletes like Abdul-Jabbar and Russell still speak out about racial injustices that Black-Americans face today. Historically, the NBA has been extremely involved in politics and activism; when Michael Jordan refused to support a NC Senator during the 1990 Senate race, he was met with extreme outrage and public backlash
Jordan addressed the backlash by saying, “Republicans buy sneakers, too”. Many called him selfish for his lack of a political stance.
Currently, the NBA has promoted the discussion of the topics of systemic racism as well as low voter turnout. When the COVID-19 outbreak occurred, NBA players negotiated a deal with the League and its Governors in order to continue play. Governors were required to turn their respective arenas into voting stations. The League allowed players to display phrases like “Black Lives Matter”, “Education Reform”, “Equality”, and other phrases related to racism on the backs of their jerseys.
Players have been making impacts on their own as well. Phoenix Suns point guard Paul George is filming a documentary on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in hopes of getting them deserving attention as well as receiving funding through donations. The Boston Celtics small forward Jaylen Brown was seen with an amplophone at rallies, leading the crowds in his hometown of Atlanta.
NBA players across the country have been using their time, money, and platforms to address these issues. At the end of the day, when they leave the arena, many of these players are black men who face the reality of racism and discrimination first-hand.
While the NBA has taken charge when it comes to social issues,other leagues are not too far behind. Players in the NFL are taking a knee as a protest against the punishment that Colin Kaepernick received when he took one in 2016. Now, players no longer have to face repercussions for using their voices in support of social activism. Players in all leagues must continue to make an impact, using their voices and platforms to get the message across: America will no longer tolerate racism, voter suppression, discrimination, and the sheer ignorance of racist sports fans.
While I am not well versed in the world of athletics, I must say that this issue is one that the NBA and other sports groups are wise to take on. Sports is one of the more commonly watched events in the world, and those who participate in said events, have a bigger voice than many in the political or even activist spheres. If they along with us, work to try and solve the injustices that face members of communities around the world, change and a better future is not only probable, it's inevitable.