Sports have the power to bring communities together and promote empowerment. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of hope, unity and collective action continues to resonate, fueling new generations of community-driven champions. He is an inspiration to athletes and sports organizations in their efforts to transform lives and society as a whole. Through King’s legacy, everyone is encouraged to make and leave a lasting positive impact on the communities they come from and those that they are immersed in. The sports world honors him by carrying the torch and illuminating what it looks like to be the change.
Breaking Barriers
Athletes like Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Jackie Robinson, Bill Russell and others played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers in sports and beyond. The success of these pioneers helped create more opportunities in their respective sports. Trailblazers who motivated countless athletes from diverse backgrounds, they changed what dreams looked like. By leveraging their platforms, Ali, Brown, Robinson and Russell were prominent figures in the leagues in which they played and the movements of which they were apart. Their achievements and advocacy contributed to shifting attitudes towards racial equality.
Equality and Fairness
King advocated for equality for all in every aspect of life. He believed that everyone should have access to the same opportunities and that the world would be a better place if this came to fruition. Athletes have followed in King’s footsteps, using their voices and resources to shine a light on and try to improve conditions for the least among us. Like MLK Jr., athletes have rallied behind causes such as better economic opportunities, equal pay and ending systemic racism. It is a shared belief that everyone, regardless of status, needs good education and healthcare and that the powers that be need to be held accountable in instances where we fall short.
Social Justice
Many athletes have spoken out about ways to come together and create social change. Two examples of initiatives that help spread this message are the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders and the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats. Basketball Without Boarders is a program that uses basketball to promote education and health and improve the social climate in underserved communities worldwide. My Cause, My Cleats encourages players to wear cleats that support their favorite charities while raising awareness and funds for related causes. Both programs are evidence that these organizations are committed to following through on the mission King started.
NBA games on Martin Luther King Jr. Day have become the standard. For the 38th time in NBA history, 14 teams around the league will face off. With many off work today, fans can tune in and watch from noon until eight p.m. As we honor King’s life and work, the sports world and beyond are reminded that his dream remains a work in progress and requires collective effort. We are better together!
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