Black Lives Matter
Measures Applied by Sports Fraternity to Support Black Lives Matter Agenda
‘Black Lives Matter’ is a slogan that has recently gained momentum across the globe. This slogan aims to advocate for the rights of black people against unfavorable treatment. The black people continue to face brutality in the hands of the police an issue that sparks outrage because these people are mostly unarmed. Therefore, the sports fraternity has advanced the black lives matter agenda through a partnership with the Black Lives Matter movement in branding and advertisements, and through solidarity conducts performed during matches.
Through branding and advertisements, sports has soldiered on with the world in saying no to racism. Branding of sports equipment and essentials includes the black lives matter slogan well printed. For instance, towards the restart of the English Premier League, the management of the league decided that the starting twelve matches would feature the slogan ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the players’ jerseys replacing the players’ names. Additionally, a badge depicting the Black Lives Matter would feature on all jerseys until the end of the 2019/2020 season (BBC). These moves by the Premier League aimed at expressing unity across all people who share in the belief of equal treatment for all individuals.
Solidarity acts have featured during matches expressing support for black lives matter. The most prominent is the players kneeling during match anthems rather than stand (Biko 7). Players have resorted to this in solidarity with the protection of the black people against petty killings by law enforcers who in public outlook are custodians in protecting lives.
In conclusion, the sports fraternity has worked in solidarity to campaign against racism via supporting the black lives matter agenda. These measures if applied for their purpose will reach the public and educate them to treat each other courteously regardless of the race of origin.
References
Agozino, Biko. “Black lives matter otherwise all lives do not matter.” African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies: AJCJS 11.1 (2018): I-XI. https://www.umes.edu/uploadedFiles/_WEBSITES/AJCJS/Content/AJCJS%20VOL11.%20Agozino.pdf
BBC. Premier League: Black Lives Matter campaign ‘not endorsement of political movement’. June 2020. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53242328