The Boston Red Sox have launched an anti-racism campaign called “Take the Lead,” which will incorporate all professional Boston Sports teams: The Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins and Revolution.
Here’s a video revealing the campaign, courtesy of the Red Sox:
Today we all #TakeTheLead!
Learn more at https://t.co/POgXHzz5zK. pic.twitter.com/SFaKccuTuc— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 28, 2017
As you can see, this public service announcement calls for fans to identify any racism that they see, especially at sporting events.
Red Sox Owner John Henry released a statement on the initiative:
A statement from #RedSox Principal Owner John Henry regarding acceptance and inclusion:#TakeTheLead pic.twitter.com/SHxZ7q9zDW
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 28, 2017
Earlier this month, fans were ejected from Fenway Park for hanging a banner that read “racism is as american as baseball.” This ambiguously worded banner was intended to be anti-racism, said the party that hung it.
Boston has a long, complicated history with racism, both good and bad. The Celtics were the first NBA team to have an all-black starting lineup, and the first to hire an African American coach.
Boston does, however, have a reputation as one of the more racist cities in the country, and that reputation exists for a reason, even if it may be slightly exaggerated.
However you feel about Boston, there’s no denying that PSA is a positive thing. Big ups to all of the Boston sports franchises for doing what every team in America should be doing.
