Why NFL Players Are Kneeling
Eric Garner.
Tamir Rice.
Philando Castile.
Michael Brown Jr.
Dontre Hamilton.
John Crawford III.
Ezell Ford.
Dante Parker.
Tanisha Anderson.
Akai Gurley.
Rumain Brisbon.
Jerame Reid.
Tony Robinson.
Phillip White.
Eric Harris.
Walter Scott.
Freddie Gray.
Akiel Denkins.
Gregory Gunn.
Samuel DuBose.
Brendon Glenn.
Natasha McKenna.
Christian Taylor.
Laquan McDonald.
Yvette Smith.
Jamar Clark.
Rekia Boyd.
Shereese Francis.
Ramarley Graham.
Manuel Loggins Jr.
Sean Bell.
Ronald Madison.
Kendra James.
Amadou Diallo.
LaTanya Haggerty.
Margaret LaVerne Mitchell.
DeJuan Guillory.
Charleena Lyles.
While this list is in no way exhaustive, as the number of slain Black bodies seemingly grows by the minute, it paints a harrowing picture of the danger that we face on a daily basis. Danger from those who are supposed to be protectors of the law, no less. That’s why we kneel.
When people like Donald Trump say ignorant nonsense like he did yesterday in a speech and today on Twitter, they have fundamentally misunderstood why NFL players are carrying out their protests.
It has nothing at all to do with the flag or the country. The integrity of the country and the flag is fully intact. No disrespect is shown. The only perceived disrespect comes from those who are threatened by what these protests mean.
Every player that kneels for the anthem is a constant reminder that we are unifying. If we are divided, they can pick us apart at every turn. But if we’re united, we are unstoppable.
Keep trying to knock us down. It won’t work. We will not go quietly into the night.
You will not win.