The world is still in shock following the tragic deaths of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, two Black men who were killed by police officers this week. Many celebrities including Beyoncé and VH1 Live host Marc Lamont Hill have publicly addressed the deaths, and now Carmelo Anthony is joining the conversation. In a huge way.
The New York Knicks forward posted a lengthy message on Instagram urging his fellow athletes to be proactive about fighting for change.
“I’m calling for all my fellow ATHLETES to step up and take charge,” Anthony wrote on his page. “Go to your local officials, leaders, congressman, assemblymen/assemblywoman and demand change. There’s NO more sitting back and being afraid of tackling and addressing political issues anymore.”
A big reason why athletes–and public figures in general–stay quiet is because they’re afraid of losing promotional deals that can mean big money. However, Anthony urged sports figures to see the bigger picture.
“We can’t worry about what endorsements we gonna lose or whose going to look at us crazy,” Anthony said. “I need your voices to be heard. We can demand change. We just have to be willing to.” Damn straight. Read the rest of his message here.
And Anthony’s wife La La is right by his side. The television personality reposted her hubby’s message on her own Instagram page. She’s also been quite active on her own social accounts about last week’s events. Check out one of her poignant posts below.
A couple who demands justice together stays together.
