I am filled with anger and disappointment today. Recently, I have come across some posts in my social media feeds that have struck me deeply. I remained silent, absorbing the impact of your words, but today I choose to voice my feelings.
When athletes choose not to stand for the national anthem, it may not affect your daily life directly. Sure, it might provoke anger, but it doesn’t alter your quality of life. However, every time a Black person is killed, and those horrific images are broadcast repeatedly on news channels, it deeply affects me, my children, and my family. We are not criminals; we aren’t wandering the streets in hoodies or carrying candy. Yet, when you justify such violence, it impacts not just me but all of us.
Moreover, it poses a significant risk to my husband. His profession becomes increasingly perilous, making him a target for hostility and violence. If you feel compelled to unfriend me or label me, go ahead. I have been insulted far worse than you can imagine. I have experienced blatant disrespect and racism from law enforcement. I haven’t spoken out publicly to shield my husband, but one day, I will for the sake of my children.
If you fail to recognize the systemic issues in how Black individuals and white individuals are treated in this country, then perhaps we were never truly friends. This isn’t merely a disagreement; it’s a fundamental divergence in perspective—a perspective that places you in a position to disregard the legitimate grievances of Black individuals because they don’t directly affect you. This mirrors the mentality of those who shame victims of sexual assault.
Consider the case of Ryan Jefferson. He represented our nation abroad, committed a crime, deceived others, and fled from facing the consequences. That is a disgrace. Yet, I did not see anyone label him a criminal or anti-American. Instead, the outrage was minimal, often reduced to calling him foolish.
Conversely, many express more outrage over an athlete’s choice to remain seated during the anthem than they do for Ryan’s criminal actions. More attention was paid to Gabby Thompson’s failure to place her hand over her heart than to Ryan’s misdeeds. Many white athletes have also neglected to cover their hearts during the anthem, and yet, the silence is deafening from those who would criticize a Black athlete.
Let me introduce myself to those who have labeled Colin Kaepernick and others like him. I am not a pampered millionaire athlete. I do not harbor hatred for law enforcement or for America. I stand for the anthem, and I am not swayed by any organization. My upbringing was far from stereotypical; I come from a family of educated individuals and have never relied on welfare.
So, how will you attempt to discredit me? How will you label me or my family? How will you use my background to undermine my views? My life and that of my family owe a great deal to protests—both peaceful and disruptive—that have challenged the status quo and fought for civil rights that many take for granted.
Remember, neither laws, minds, nor hearts are transformed by silence and compliance. While it may be perceived as disrespectful to kneel during the anthem, the Constitution safeguards that right just as it does others.
If not for courageous protests, my life, and that of my family, would be vastly different. Reflect on this the next time you dismiss these athletes as simply disrespectful. Would you risk your job and personal safety to highlight injustice? Should I have to fear for my life just to enjoy the same rights as you?
To those claiming that kneeling disrespects the military—consider that this is their fight. They face threats from those who oppose their stance. The backlash demonstrates that many are more concerned about the act of kneeling than the reasons behind it.
It’s essential to reflect on how your comments and actions affect those around you. Rethink the narratives that aim to diminish the voices of those advocating for change. Recognize that real progress comes from confronting uncomfortable truths, regardless of whether they impact you directly.
Remember, the change we need is not to chastise athletes for their actions but to address the injustices they are protesting against.
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In summary, it’s crucial to engage with the issues at hand rather than dismiss them. Silence and compliance do not drive change; active discussion and protest do.