No one saw a global pandemic taking place with the world affected by this epidemic in one way or another. Unfortunately, as a nation, this is not the only problem Americans are experiencing at the moment.
Social Injustice has always been an issue, but for African-Americans, the opportunity to speak and express was too good to pass up. On March 13, 2020, in Louisville, Kentucky, Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by a policeman. The WNBA community decided to make a statement. The league decided to put Breonna’s name on their jerseys to support her family and the whole African-American community.
Only a couple of months later, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd passed away after police officers murdered Floyd in the Minnesota area. With the amplification of live streaming and video content, Floyd's death was broadcast by everyday citizens witnessing it firsthand. NBA players Jaylen Brown and Malcolm Brogdon decided to march in Atlanta this past summer to show awareness.
Another tragedy had yet surfaced on August 23, 2020, when Jacob Blake was shot seven times and murdered by a police officer Rusten Sheskey in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After months of mistreatment and a spotlight on racial injustice, athletes have increased their engagement. The NBA, WNBA, and the MLS decided to boycott games to show that there’s more to life than sports and that Black Lives Matter.
People outside the sporting community also took notice. On June 2, social media platforms and brands posted a black blank picture and hashtagged “Blackout Tuesday” to show their support for the lives lost.
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the LORD, your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The perfect way to grow as people and as a body of the United States is through God. He has a plan for every one of us; if we lean on him and give him all of our worries, this country will be a better place.
It is encouraging to see people stand up for what they believe in during these challenging times. Remember and be true to who you are. In any trial, in any hardship, God is the answer.
Aaron Diaz is a junior from Anderson, Indiana, majoring in public relations and minoring in marketing. Diaz is an associate with Fifth Street Communications®, a student-run public relations agency at Anderson University.
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