In addition to the protests continuing across the country protesting against structural racism in the United States and police brutality, Tuesday was also Election Day for several states conducting their primaries, including the state of Georgia. And reports of long lines in predominantly Black neighborhoods moved LeBron James to ask a question that has been bothering many in this country for a long time, that the process of voting has often much harder in those areas.
LeBron juxtaposed the long lines for Black voters in Georgia with calls from pundits and politicians who suggest that people must “vote” to change things, in addition to, or in place of, protesting. LeBron doesn’t buy it.
Talking about police racism is one thing but actively talking about how Black voters, voters of color, and voters in poorer areas often face more obstacles to vote than those in whiter, more affluent areas. So while calls to vote are important, LeBron also wants to note that the circumstances around those opportunities to vote are not equitable, and must also be addressed if the country is serious about ensuring that Black lives matter.
