„Having the white community speak up and stand with us in the fight against racism has allowed me to no longer be afraid to speak my truth“
Hockey is Diversity had Mark Fraser Interviewed on racism in hockey and society.
Hockey is Diversity: As one of very few black players who played in the NHL – a sport that is still regarded as “white” and the League normally not engaging in political activities, they have now with the lead of Evander Kane come out in support against racism. With that visible players and faces of the hockey world like Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews have spoken out in support of the movement. What does it mean to you to see the support of the NHL and the many visible players?
Hockey is Diversity: Sport federations usually condem political statements by players and they want them to “shut up and play” – but without for example Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising the fist in Mexico in 1968 in a silent protest or Colin Kaepernick taking a knee or the L.A. Clippers players wearing a “I can’t breathe” shirt during warm-up some things would have not changed. How important is it for athletes to emancipate themselves, to define them first as committed and active citizens and secondly as players and use their platform for political statements?
Hockey is Diversity: Structural, economic and covert racism and discrimination and/ or killings against blacks in the US did not end with the Civil Rights Movement or the election of Barack Obama. Despite affirmative action it is still hard for blacks to move up the social ladder and break the glass ceiling of the corporate world. Why is it still so difficult for blacks to simply achieve equal opportunities, the right to life and liberty, the right for equal economic and political opportunities in hindsight to white supremacy?