Remember when you all were appalled at kneeling? Remember when you asked me to quiet down my black voice so that you did not have to feel uncomfortable? Micro-aggressions and anti-black actions continue in the gym everyday whether your privilege allows you to see them or not. I’m no longer upset with you if you’ve now chosen to be an active member of change- I embrace you and love you.
Here’s what I’m demanding in reparations from the gymnastics community and ALL athletes: ▪️all coaches, gymnasts, parents of gymnasts, gymnastics teams I need you to speak up. Your silence shows that you are on the side of the oppressor. ▪️go to naacp.org and theactionpac.com among others to educate yourself, donate and activate
▪️amplify black voices: listen to what we have to say and get LOUD to spread the word. - if this makes you uncomfortable take a moment for reflection and ask yourself why the truth is painful
▪️yes, this is a long list of demands but you’ve caused your black gymnasts a long list of pains so go do your part. ✊🏾🖤
June 2, 2020
When Gabby Douglas won the Olympic all-around gold in 2012, she was pretty much universally feted for being the first African-American woman to win the most coveted prize in women’s gymnastics. But there would soon be backlash. Douglas and her mother spoke to Oprah shortly after the Olympics and described racist harassment she endured during her time as…
