NBA Social (late edition): LeBron James and the league stand behind George Floyd movement
By Alex Mcewen
LeBron James, Trae Young, Enes Kanter, and others fight the good fight and stand up for racial inequality, following the death of George Floyd.
Some weeks this column is easy to produce, while other times it presents more of a challenge. There are times the biggest story of the week is completely excluded purposely to focus on more overlooked storylines. This is not one of those weeks.
The story sweeping not only the NBA but the entire nation is the wrongful death of George Floyd. The conversation in the NBA is spearheaded by none other than LeBron James. James has become not only one of the largest activist and philanthropist in the association but in the entire nation.
Eight years ago, in 2012 the murder of Travon Martin ignited a movement. In 2014, the death of Eric Garner did the same and the phrase ‘I can’t breathe’ was born. Here we are in the present year, 2020, on May 25 yet another act of senseless violence took place with the death of George Floyd. Don’t be fooled by the timeline either, there were copious more untimely and notable black deaths between Garner and Floyd. With that said, let’s take a look at the social reaction from these unfortunate events of the past week:
Absolutely nothing
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAieZkXgcky/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Ironically, two days prior to Floyd’s death, James and Nike launched a new campaign titled ‘Nothing Can Stop Us.’ Less than one week later, many activists and allies began sharing a different tagline…
Finding beauty
All-in, my friend
Powerful quote
But remember everyone, athletes should ‘shut up and dribble’
Making a positive history
Speaking the truth
Shai sends his condolences
Thinking face emoji fits well here:
Everybody Cries Sometimes
Say it LOUD!
The pivotal part of this photo is from YEARS ago
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA1xv2Kjknt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
This is just where we are
Calling things the way they are
Savage
Good Choice Kanter
Sweet LOUUUUU
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA1q7ciBGqN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
MJ’s thoughts
What he said
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA2tzWBFige/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Create a Positive Impact
Let’s Live Free
We are united
A few resources if you would like to make a difference
Mr. Thunder doing Mr. Thunder things
Don’t do it
A Story from Glenn ‘Doc’ Rivers
A little Motivation Might help
Amid all the craziness, sadness, frustration, and uncertainty right now. Let this quote resonate and sink in because the words could not be more true. As the calendar flips from May to June, it is officially the month of pride and love.
While we all search for peace listen to Doc and let’s all have a good week together. For now, and for always we are better when we stick together!