Mohammed Ali, LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick… examples of American sportsmen who are more than just athletes. They are sports icons who have used their voices and platforms to champion the cause of racial equality.
In this generation, everyone has a voice and everyone can use their platforms to speak up about racial injustices.
With the current widespread protests following the death of George Floyd by the hands of white police officers, more and more athletes across the globe are using their voices to condemn racism and racial injustics. In my opinion, more local athletes should use their platforms to speak up about racial inequality and injustice.
The Black Lives Matter (#BLM) is a powerful movement that is taking the world by storm and many athletes are at the centre of it.
Long gone are the days when athletes were seen as just entertainers in the ring, on a court or a field.
In this generation, sportsmen and women are more than just athletes.
Many athletes are more influential than parents and politicians and are role models for millions. And when they use their voices, the masses usually listen.
Sports is a big business and its stars have big influences.
Just ask Jamaica about Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce.
And when influential athletes speak on sensitive topics like racial inequality, it has a profound effect, more and more persons are inspired to speak up.
Racism does not just occur on U.S soil. It is global and is very much alive in Guyana and not many athletes have used their platforms to speak up. I encourage all athletes and sports figures here to listen, learn and become more engaged in the fight for equality and justice.
You are more than just an athlete.
