The recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and several others have sparked a strong movement for social justice as protestors fill the streets in all 50 states. Many Team USA athletes have taken to social media to share their experiences with racial injustice, condemn police brutality and support the Black Lives Matter movement.
“The issue right now ... is Black Lives aren’t treated or valued as ALL lives,” USA softball player Kelsey Stewart tweeted. “Let’s educate ourselves on as much as possible so we can educate the next generation so not a single black person has to go through this again.”
See what fellow athletes like Coco Gauff, Alysia Montano and Hunter Woodhall had to say below.
Starr Andrews, Figure Skating
Crystal Dunn, Soccer
It is going to take EVERYONE!🙏🏾🌎 pic.twitter.com/JcgP2MWvnM
— Crystal Dunn Soubrier (@crysdunn_19) June 5, 2020
Coco Gauff, Tennis
#blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/WEZEmtHH8k
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) May 29, 2020
Lauren Gibbs, Bobsled
Darrell Hill, Track and Field
Jamal Hill, Para Swimming
Chris Kinney, Bobsled
Simone Manuel, Swimming
Alysia Montano, Track and Field
Aubree Munro Watson, Softball
Empathy. We need more of it. Wherever you stand, whatever you think, we will all benefit from EMPATHY for people that are different from us. Those with different backgrounds, skin colors, and perceptions. Anything that qualifies as different should push us to understand
— Aubree Munro Watson (@Aubree_Munro1) May 31, 2020
Nicky Nieves, Sitting Volleyball
Claressa Shields, Boxing
Zack Steffan, Soccer
Stay strong and stay united. Together anything is possible. ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
— Zack Steffen (@zackstef_23) June 2, 2020
Sloane Stephens, Tennis
Kelsey Stewart, Softball
I am vowing to be a pillar for change. The issue right now ... is Black Lives aren’t treated or valued as ALL lives. Let’s educate ourselves on as much as possible so we can educate the next generation so not a single black person has to go through this again. #TimeForChange pic.twitter.com/X6SqIxytsn
— Kelsey Stewart (@stewartkels7) June 4, 2020
Hunter Woodhall, Para Track and Field
WE stand together, because WE need change! To all my white friends, just because it may not affect you directly doesn’t mean you dont have a responsibility to fight for those it does. Especially those consuming black culture, you cannot pick and choose when its convient for you https://t.co/Fo1Ip2vvl7
— Hunter Woodhall 🎲 (@hunterwoodhall) June 3, 2020