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| A banner being raised up for the protest |
One of the most trending topic over the world,even in this pandemic has been the BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM) campaign. In May The Death Of African-American 46 Year Old George Floyd at the hands of a police officer saw widespread protests and agitations. From Teachers to Students,Bankers to Artists everyone came together to stand in solidarity to fight against the injustice and decided enough is enough. The world of sports wasn't far behind from this movement.
Sports has been considered as one of the most entertaining forms of media. Different types of sports are been played all over the world with a huge following. Now the sports personalities have a huge fan base and when they start to protest and urge their followers to do so, you know it's something every serious. Racism has been going in the world from a long time. Though we live in the 21st Century with modern technologies and facilities but there is still Racism between the Poor and Rich, The Black and White.
Michael Holding, one of the legends of Cricket shared a strong message with words before the test match between England and West Indies. While urging society to stop Racism and start treating people equal, he broke down at the end of his speech and said "If You don't educate people,they will keep growing up in that sort of society and you will not get a meaningful change". After that before the start the of the Test Match, every player on the field took a knee in solidarity towards the movement.
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| The West Indies player taking a knee |
This was seen in England but not only in Cricket but also in The English Football League, the Premier League. The Premier League is the most viewed and popular League across the world. It's consists of some of the biggest teams in the world consisting of Manchester United, Liverpool,Chelsea,Arsenal, Manchester City etc. Racism has been going on football every since it's inceptions. Recently many times in Italian Football, the news of Racism has occurred and many players have supported the player being abused but the Italian Football has not taken any strict action just yet.
Every Since the Restart in June, every Premier League match before kickoff has observed a 1 minute silence while taking a knee to share their solidarity towards the movement and even wore jerseys with not names being printed but "Black Lives Matter" being printed signalling that everyone is equal.
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| "Black Live Matter" |
Formula One Drivers also took a knee before the season opening Austrian Grand Prix on July 5. Lewis Hamilton donned a t shirt with the words"Black Lives Matter" while other drivers wore T Shirt with words "End Racism". "As individuals we choose our own ways to support a cause. As a group of drivers and a wider F1 Family, we are United in this goal." Formula One said in a statement.
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| 15 drivers taking a knee before the start of the race |
Sporting Icons are considered as Mini Gods by some. When they show such solidarity and support towards a cause, their words and actions have effect on millions on viewers. When they join a movement it spends a powerful message to the entire world.
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