By: Ryana Garner

The Black Lives Matter movement has left a impactful mark on, not only society, but sports as well. During this time, many athletes stepped up to the plate and knocked social activism out the park. There were moments like Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem in 2016, NBA players’ being on strike in 2020 in response to police violence and just athletes in general using their patforms to raise awareness and advocate for racial justice.

Colin Kaepernick’s Protest

As mentioned before Colin Kaepernick, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, risked his career during 2016 NFL season. To paint a picture, the societal atmosphere at this time was at its thickest. There were growing number of police brutality and racism that occurred around this time. Kaepernick chose to kneel during the national anthem at one of his games, which sparked huge controversy within the media. His initial motive was to create a peaceful protest to slice into the thick atmosphere of racial injustice within society, but it turned into a huge debate… nationally and internationally. There were many that viewed this as a powerful statement, while others felt it was a disrespectful gesture towards American culture.

His actions influence other athletes to follow suit. It was widely covered by the media and though many critiqued, high-profiled athletes such as LeBron James, supported him. After this event, more protest began to happen within various sports. Many athletes took the chance to use their voices against racial injustice. The BLM movement became popular during the police shootings of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Breonna Taylor. It made these athletes realize that their voices matter and the power of their platform can help them affect social change.

Media Coverage

Kaepernick’s protest was one that created a mixed sense of controversy. There were many media outlets who potrayed this as an act of disrespecting American values. They felt that it was unpatriotic, while the supporters were elated there was a spotlight finally displayed on police brutality and racial inequality. Sports are the perfect outlet for creating conversation about issues within our society. This is because it serves as a melting pot, meaning that many people from all over the world participate in the spectating of sports.

Social media was the star player of the conversation, because it helped to shape the narrative. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook became a space where fans, activist, and athletes could easily share their perspectives. Which is how hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter came into play. The conversation that surrounded Kaepernick’s protest changed, going many users the opportunity to offer support for the cause and calling for action for the social injustice faced by African Americans when it comes to police brutality.

LeBron James is also a notable player in the BLM movement, because he already had a history of being vocal about social justice issues and during this time he continued to use his platform. Other athletes also pitched in by posting messages of solidarity and creating events to help educate communities.

Legacy and Impact

The activism that happened during Black Lives Matter, changed the relationship between sports and politics. People typically feel that athletes should be silence on social issues, because they only see them as individuals who play a sport. But the BLM movement helped them to see that these players have voices as well. It made athletes understand that their platforms are powerful. Their words can travel a thousand miles and maybe even change the perspective of those who oppose against the issue.

The BLM movement was just the start of athletes using their voices and it is evident that the end is no where near. There are athletes helping to support causes across different sports. Which is giving a new perspective to the intellect, morals and ethics that these athletes have. One voice at a time, they can help support change for different social issues.