I find myself filled with frustration and sadness today. Recently, I’ve seen some posts on my social media, and while I’ve held back my thoughts, the impact of those words has been hard to ignore.
Today, I choose to voice my feelings. The actions of some athletes choosing not to stand for the national anthem might not touch your life directly. It may frustrate you, but it doesn’t affect your day-to-day existence. However, each time a Black individual is tragically shot and the footage is broadcast repeatedly, it resonates deeply with me. It affects my children and my family. We aren’t criminals; we aren’t out late in hoodies with Skittles and iced tea as if we deserve violence. When actions are defended that lead to such injustices, it affects us all. It impacts my husband, too, making his job more dangerous and him a target for hate.
If you feel the need to “unfriend” me, that’s your choice. I’ve been attacked in ways that would shock you. I’ve faced blatant disrespect and racism from law enforcement, but I keep quiet to protect my husband—for now. One day, I’ll speak up to defend my children.
If you can’t see the systemic issues in our country regarding how Black and white individuals are treated, we aren’t really friends. This isn’t about differing opinions; it’s about a fundamental disconnect that positions you to judge whether Black voices deserve to be acknowledged. When you dismiss these grievances, it echoes the victim-blaming that women face when discussing sexual assault.
Take, for example, a recent incident with an athlete who misbehaved while representing the United States abroad. He committed a crime, evaded justice, and yet there was minimal outrage directed at him personally. In contrast, more people were concerned about a football player who chose not to stand during the anthem than about the actions of that athlete. It’s baffling how outrage can be directed towards a peaceful protest rather than actual criminal behavior.
Fast forward to the present. To everyone criticizing Colin Kaepernick and others like him, let me introduce myself.
- I’m not a spoiled athlete.
- I’m not “ignorant.”
- I don’t harbor hate for law enforcement.
- I love this country and I’m not going anywhere.
- I stand for the anthem.
- I’m not brainwashed by any movements.
- My family is stable, educated, and diverse.
So how will you label me? How will you try to discredit my voice? I owe a lot to protests, whether peaceful or not—acts of courage that have historically been seen as un-American. Remember, neither laws, minds, nor hearts change through silence and compliance.
Sure, kneeling during the anthem may seem disrespectful to some, but the Constitution protects that right just as fiercely as it protects other freedoms. Protests have shaped my life and the lives of many. I urge you to consider your words and actions when judging those who protest against injustice.
Are you willing to risk your career and safety to bring light to these issues? Should I have to put everything on the line just to have the same rights you enjoy? All those who say athletes are disrespecting the military need to understand that kneeling is a form of protest against injustice, not a rejection of patriotism.
Your comments and actions matter. They have consequences that ripple out, often revealing biases or a lack of understanding. It’s time to address the uncomfortable truths about our society. Let’s not ignore the real issues at hand.
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In summary, real change requires courage and honesty. We must confront our biases and the systems that allow inequality to persist. Silence and compliance will not usher in progress; active engagement and understanding will.