Yesterday the Milwaukee Bucks decided as a team to boycott their playoff game in response to the shooting and subsequent paralysis of Jacob Blake, a black father, by Wisconsin police. This protest has been widely covered and admired, as it very well should be. Indeed, many athletes have started speaking out in protest of Blake’s shooting, including ones from the MLB, NHL, and other NBA players. However, there are some athletes who took a stand yesterday that have a very special place in my heart—this post is dedicated to them.
Yesterday the entire WNBA also sat out from their games. Every team and athlete refused to play, and many gave empowering statements on why they chose to boycott. They also kneeled at center court arm-in-arm. The incredible Washington Mystics players wore t-shirts that spelled out “Jacob Blake,” each of which had seven bullet holes painted on the back. I love my team.
I also love the WNBA. These strong, intelligent women took the microphone, instead of taking the court, and they reminded us that black lives matter. It’s a simple statement of fact. As Ariel Atkins of the Mystics said, “If you have a problem with us saying black lives matter, you need to check your privilege. Yes, all lives matter, including the black lives we’re talking about.”
Another female athlete speaking out against police brutality and racism in America is Naomi Osaka, a Japanese tennis player who considers herself first and foremost a black woman. Osaka sat out from her semifinals match today in order to “get a conversation started in a majority white sport.”
I’m incredibly proud that these women have joined in protests to ignite discussions about how to fix America’s broken systems. I wish they all got more publicity and admiration from the public, I truly do. Nevertheless, I’m grateful to them for the example they have set. I’m grateful to them for the hard conversations they’ve started. Most of all, I’m grateful that I too am a female athlete who believes black lives matter.
My thoughts are with Jacob Blake. Now, let’s go make this country a better, safer, and fairer place for his children.
2 replies on “I Love My Team”
I’m very proud of you for your dedication to your beliefs – and the voice you lend to them.
Thank you for your thoughtful and moving essay about the BLM Movement and the athletes that were involved in the protest. I learned some additional details of which I was unaware, particularly regarding the WNBA. You continue to amaze and impress me not only with your ability to express yourself in words, but with your clear vision and dedication to positive change. You give me hope for the future of our nation and our world.