Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Writes Op-Ed in Los Angeles Times on Racism and Injustice
Former LA Lakers basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar pens an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times on racism and the injustices within our society.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar offers an honest stance on the judgment surrounding George Floyd’s murder and the protests, stating “what I want to see is not a rush to judgment, but a rush to justice.” Abdul-Jabbar also describes how people are “pushed to the edge…because they want to live. To breathe.” The former basketball star goes on to write that “African Americans have been living in a burning building for many years, choking on the smoke as the flames burn closer and closer.”
The time for justice is long overdue. Racism is inherent in our institutions, and as Abdul-Jabbar says, we must “stay vigilant” to create change, especially as racism is “always still in the air.”
To read his full Op-Ed for more information, check out his tweet below with the included link.
It’s about respect & human decency and how we share that with each other. #ShowYouCarehttps://t.co/NqMDQSPeLX
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) May 31, 2020
Following publication, Abdul-Jabbar has received love and support for his article, as apparent in the tweets below.
Thank you Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for taking a stand using your voice as always and not hiding like 80% of our current athletes. Endorsements come and go, standing for something lasts forever. pic.twitter.com/3SrWL8r4Db
— Dominique Hamilton (@Underrated_Dom) May 31, 2020
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“What you should see when you see black protesters in the age of Trump and coronavirus is people pushed to the edge, not because they want bars and nail salons open, but because they want to live. To breathe.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, author and former NBA player
— ernie ondrias (@erniern) June 2, 2020
No basketball player in the history of the game has stood up against social injustice more than Kareem Abdul Jabbar…and that’s on god
— BLACK BOY LOST (@DerrickAshimwe) June 2, 2020
Abdul-Jabbar appeared on ESPN Monday morning, June 1, to discuss his Op-Ed and share his opinion on current events. One particularly powerful and moving statement he made was: “go out there and make a friend with someone who doesn’t look like us.” Watch his full interview below.
Like many other celebrities and citizens, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is ready for a change. He is using his voice and platform to speak out on racism and injustice. So don’t let his words fall upon deaf ears; take them to heart, and strive to find ways in your own life to dismantle structural racism.
Hi! I am Hannah Forton pursuing a double major in Communications and Music Industry. I love traveling, sports, cooking, music, Broadway, movies, DIY, make-up, clothes, and tutorials. Some of my favorite work experiences includes an internship at a recording studio and working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Helping and educating others is important to me, and I’ve enjoyed being able to do so through volunteering for numerous non-profits since middle school. I like the big city vibes, but small towns will always hold a special place in my heart. Living near Detroit allows me to achieve the best of both worlds.
