September 27th, 2017
Written by - Sophia Gumbs '18
On the courage, sparked by the past actions of former NFL star Colin Kaepernick, being seen in the athletic sphere recently:
To protest peacefully is a precious right, and it is one that is afforded by the First Amendment to the Constitution. The "sons of bitches" (quote from President Trump) who have been taking a knee during the National Anthem are exercising a right that the United States, unlike many other nations, is able to pride itself on. Unlike the neo-nazi "very fine people" (quote from President Trump), the individuals taking a knee are not using guns, pepper spray, racial slurs, hate speech, or fists to express their dissatisfaction with the way this nation operates. Taking a knee is not violent; taking a knee is not disrespectful; taking a knee is not "un-American"; taking a knee is a silent, graceful, powerful way to expose and protest the institutionalized oppression of a group of worthy individuals: black males.
Many members of this Laurel community show interest and energy when it comes to the professional athletic world. I hope we can understand that the people who play these sports, no matter their own reasons for doing so, are not caricatures or puppets existing solely for our entertainment. These are human beings, many of whom have experienced and do experience or closely witness institutionalized, race-based oppression. These people who many Laurel community members enjoy watching play are expressing a concern they and countless others have in a peaceful manner, and it is our responsibility to listen to and respect that expression.
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