1/ I have read many times over the years. It serves as a powerful reminder: Leaders who have the courage to use peaceful, symbolic protests to raise awareness of oppression are often discriminated against in their times but "history has its eyes on them"
filmsforaction.org/articles/the-w…
filmsforaction.org/articles/the-w…
2/ This article is a great reminder of the courage & conviction of two African American athletes who raised awareness of oppression at their expense of their own continued fame, achievement and financial benefit
3/ The article is titled "The White Man in That Photo" because it also shows the courage and conviction of a White ally who believed in equality & God and felt it was worth showing public support despite paying a lifetime of economic consequences. It says he never regretted this
4/ It is an important reminder of the costs paid by Smith, Carlos & Norman. But also by Muhammad Ali in his time. And MLK. And now by @Kaepernick7. History has its eyes on you. You have inspired our generation through selflessness & symbolism and given us tools to show support
5/ The short olympic race video is here:
and the ceremony with the protest is here:
Thank you to Alex @u2sashko for reminding me of this great story.
and the ceremony with the protest is here:
Thank you to Alex @u2sashko for reminding me of this great story.
6/ Symbolic protests must cut through noise to be noticed & discussed. It led to an important moment in my own family where I discussed @Kaepernick7 protest with my son, then 13 & big NFL fan, who was confused by discussions at school. I published in 2016
bothsidesofthetable.com/a-teachable-mo…
bothsidesofthetable.com/a-teachable-mo…
7/ I had military family friends who didn't agree with my support for Kaep & his protest. They found my support "hurtful" of their sacrifice. I said it wasn't about the military, it was about the treatment of Black people in US by police & society. I suspect views have evolved
8/ It takes times for perspectives to evolve. Sadly it takes sacrifices & public mistreatment of Rodney King, George Floyd & too many others. Speaking up gives a jolt for others to THINK & also air cover for more to know they can speak up. We MUST speak up, too
9/ In speaking in support of Black rights you may use some words or feelings that aren't appreciated or are attacked as you learn to find your voice. It's such a minor consequence & worth it. It should be a reminder of the much greater attacks & sacrifices of others. Get over it
