West Indies pace legend Michael Holding believes it is vital for the noble campaigns such as ‘Black Lives Matter’ that an increasing number of prominent individuals, including those playing sport, are seen taking a stance against racial discrimination.
The cricketer turned commentator stated that sportspersons should be using their celebrity status to spread awareness amongst the wider public and play their part in eradicating the longstanding malaise that is racism.
“If people who have a platform and who are able to reach out and get people to listen and people to understand say nothing, then who will?”
Holding asked in an interview with Reuters.
“There are sportspeople who are well known throughout the entire world. If they get up and say something, people around the world will want to hear what they have to say and will want to try to understand what they had to say.”
“And that’s the reason why people with a platform, people with a name, people that are recognised all over the world, need to speak up about things that affect them and affect the world,”
he added.
Holding has been the most vocal popular voice in the cricketing world to speak against racism and differential treatment handed out to the black community for ages since last year’s inhumane killing of George Floyd in the USA. Floyd’s death in custody of a white policeman led to a global uprising against racism and gave birth to the BLM campaign.
Sports teams have been seen taking the knee, a gesture that signifies support for the BLM movement. Holding has even published a book about it, named “Why We Kneel, How We Rise”.
The book speaks extensively about racial discrimination in sports and has stories covered of some of the most high-profile black athletes.
Holding believes it’s important that such athletes aren’t giving their opinions only on sporting matters but using their powers and stature to drive a positive change in society.
