MLK Day | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Impact on the Sports World Today
By: Tialena Evans
Every year, since 1986, the 3rd Monday of January is reserved to observe and pay tribute to the legacy, that is, of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reflection on his impact within the civil rights movement undoubtedly pulls you to acknowledge his everlasting impact that has transcended into the sports world. Now more than ever, athletes across multiple major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB and others, take Dr. King's mantra and apply it towards their efforts in making their voices heard every day.
The topic of social justice, systemic racism and just flat out basic human rights has never stopped being in the forefront of American society. The devastating case of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old boy who was not served justice for his wrongful death, became the reigniting flame that shed light on the corrupt social injustices African-American’s face in everyday life.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
Colin Kaepernick, who is currently an NFL free agent, has also made a name for himself as a civil rights activist over the years. His activism reign began back in 2016 during a pre-season game when he chose to sit down during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner”. During a post game interview, Kaepernick explained his position on why he chose to sit.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride and a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder“, Colin said referencing a series of African-American deaths caused by law-enforcement that led to the Black Lives Matter movement.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
This famous quote by Dr. King grasps the meaning of courage, bravery, and standing up to adversity even when no one else around you stands alongside you. Although Kaepernick lost his job and continues to be blackballed by the NFL, he still holds firm in his beliefs, efforts and activism to achieve social justice in a failed system from the beginning.
Fast forward to the year 2020, the most challenging year for many Americans. For African-Americans in particular, 2020 was a year of emotional restlessness. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, civil rights movements and Black Lives Matter protests swarmed the nation in response to the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, who both wrongfully died at the hands of law enforcement.
Throughout the entire year, athletes across the nation took a stance with Black Lives Matter by holding unprecedented game strikes, marching in the streets with civilians and sharing their own personal messages on the social issues in society.
NFL players come together to share a heartfelt message addressing social justice.
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) June 5, 2020
"Being a celebrity, being an NBA player don't exclude me from no conversation at all."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 31, 2020
Jaylen Brown drove 15 hours from Boston to Atlanta to join the protests.
(via @FCHWPO) pic.twitter.com/eZR1fxvCdd
.@MiamiHEAT forward Udonis Haslem spoke at a protest in his hometown of Miami on Sunday.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 31, 2020
(via @WPLGLocal10) pic.twitter.com/ehxhjCSLzR
I really don’t know how to put into words exactly how I feel, but one thing I know for sure is that enough is enough! It’s time for change! #GeorgeFloyd #AhmaudArbery
— Giannis Ugo Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 31, 2020
✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻 pic.twitter.com/cJAjiv4B1z
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) May 31, 2020
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that; and hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that.”
Today, after an extremely tribal year, the sports world pays tribute and homage to an absolute civil rights legend.
TNT, which is based in Atlanta, posted a video explaining the various ways the Atlanta Hawks chose to honor Dr. King.
Players, executives and designers share what the @ATLHawks MLK city edition uniforms mean to Atlanta as they honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 18, 2021
The Arena begins at 4pm ET on TNT. pic.twitter.com/PlPMJ15pBn
Our league, the values and teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr, are inextricably linked. Today we will pay respect to the life and legacy of MLK through stories of unity, togetherness and equality. #MLKDay
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2021
Former and current athletes expressed their appreciation for the avenues that King opened for them.
In these times, Dr. King's words ring true as he called for us to "create a beloved community". We celebrate his legacy today, looking to make his dream a reality for both now and the future. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/pHe1y7aQVL
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) January 18, 2021
NFL players around the league celebrate the life and lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/gTyaK2W9px
— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2021
Still chasing that dream!! Thank you for paving the way. #MLKDay https://t.co/kDHjL0Ac45
— Jarred Vanderbilt (@JVando) January 18, 2021
Today is MLK Day and the anniversary of Willie O’Ree breaking the color barrier in the NHL. Both these heroes have inspired my activism and dedication to make hockey more inclusive for everyone. We all have a responsibility to make sure the things we love are accessible. pic.twitter.com/XHWgPErPLV
— JT Brown (@JTBrown23) January 18, 2021
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/vQ5UT0Nqyv
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 18, 2021
Today, athletes make it known everyday that Dr. King‘s ingrained message and efforts towards a progressive and just society gives them the strength to continue to accomplish his dream; that one day we will be able to live in a world that is just for all no matter what you look like and where you come from.
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