The United States has been shaken by several tragedies in recent days. First, the country was shocked by the shooting of two different black men, Alton Sterling and Philandro Castille, at the hands of police. Then, on Thursday, several police officers were killed by sniper(s) at a protest in downtown Dallas.
It has been an undeniably shocking, tragic, and mind-numbing few days. While we continue to wait for legal action, facts, and any more details regarding these events, it is incredibly important to realize the issues that we are faced with.
Athletes have an enormous platform in this country, and NBA athletes perhaps more so. NBA stars are recognized by a wide audience and the cultural diversity that the league possesses is important in these times. They have the ability to both calm people down, and get them to think about the issues facing the country and the world. The diversity in the NBA, including the prominence of black athletes, makes for a great forum to have these discussions. People of all races, creeds, and faiths can take inspiration from these athletes in order to work for a better future.
In the wake of the recent shootings, many NBA players have taken to social media to post their thoughts. From league stars like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Durant to the newest Knick Joakim Noah, and a young shooting guard on the rise in Bradley Beal, many players used their platform to speak up about violence, especially as it pertains to black people. Many more posted a simple, black image in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
We are sharing a few of these as we believe it is important for athletes to use their platform for this reason. There are certainly many more who have also spoken out about the tragedies.
?? #blacklivesmatter https://t.co/7wB6JSkPIP
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) July 8, 2016
There's ZERO excuse for killing period, civilian or cop! #SINisSIN
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) July 8, 2016
Joakim Noah on recent gun tragedies. "It's really sad. It's all our problem. This has to stop. It's out of control"#Knicks
— rob (@R0BaTO) July 8, 2016
Noah, candid about all the recent shootings, says America clearly has a gun issue. Says it hasn't gotten better bc guns are "a business."
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) July 8, 2016
— John Wall (@JohnWall) July 6, 2016
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 7, 2016
Foreal though wth?!? The #AltonSterling video makes me sick…its gettin out of control!! #blacklivesmatter #thisworldneedsprayer
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) July 6, 2016
I may not be the most educated person on the matter but I can certainly tell you this… An eye for an eye will never solve the problem
— Frank Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) July 8, 2016
It's senseless murder in both matters. Everyone has family members and loved ones who are affected so why compound to make matters worse?
— Frank Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) July 8, 2016
When will the love prosper and the hatred start to dissipate? Hatred breeds more hate, and that is the opposite of the solution.
— Frank Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) July 8, 2016
All I know is that is it starting to be a scary time in our country, and it certainly doesn't need to be this way.
— Frank Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) July 8, 2016
Innocent lives man.. No restart button on life. People are taking lives like they're playing a video game.. HAS TO STOP! #AltonSterling
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 6, 2016
This can't be life..
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 8, 2016
Still in shock. Saddened to hear about the tragic events in Dallas. My Thoughts are with everyone, who are affected. #StoptheViolence
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) July 8, 2016
Man what is going on right now. I don't wanna live in fear! I want to be free and walk around my city. Not scared of my every move!
— Justin Anderson (@JusAnderson1) July 8, 2016
My stomach hurts, watching this live on TV while it's going on right outside my window!
— Justin Anderson (@JusAnderson1) July 8, 2016
(h/t Alysha Tsuji for the Anthony screenshots)
Another black man killed
Another young black kid without a dad
Think about that for a second.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 8, 2016
This article says it all man! Sickens me and I shed multiple tears about it all. https://t.co/Tsj9646QoT #ItNeedsToStop #BlackLivesMatter
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 8, 2016
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 8, 2016
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 8, 2016
We are all hurting tonight. More violence is not the answer. #StoptheViolence
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 8, 2016
