“All lives can’t matter, until black lives matter.”
This was the quote that ended a touching tribute from Alabama football in society’s quest to stop racial injustice and police brutality. In a poem written by Alex Leatherwood, thirteen players and head coach Nick Saban addressed the issue the United States is in and what it will take for us as people to come together. The student-athletes that yielded their voices to the poem included Leatherwood, Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Patrick Surtain II, Emil Ekiyor, Ale Kaho, Stephon Wynn, DJ Dale, Evan Neal, Slade Bolden, Thomas Fletcher, Cameron Latu, Major Tennison, Joshua McMillon, Dylan Moses and Jarez Parks. These young men are more than just players, they are people who care about the world they live in and want to see change.
“In this moment in history, we can’t be silent.” pic.twitter.com/YF4ndJSpa0
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) June 25, 2020
For Saban, he said ‘in this moment in history, we can’t be silent.’
“We must speak up for our brothers and sisters, for our sons and daughters. Until I listen with an open heart and mind, I can’t understand his experience and his pain,” Saban said.
Each player made it known that it stands for justice, fairness, understanding and knowledge.
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Despite having individuals that come from different backgrounds, they are on team with one heartbeat and one mission on the field.
Having one playmaker is great, but this program knows that it is stronger together. We need the love and support of everyone now more than ever, and it is beautiful to see the Crimson Tide display the unity for all to recognize.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
