Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, ESPN elected to hold its annual sports awards show, The ESPYS, earlier than usual this year and with an entirely virtual format.
But co-hosts Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird and Russell Wilson didn’t need an audience to address the important issues facing the country.
To kick off the award show, Wilson, Bird and Rapinoe — all wearing Black Lives Matter shirts — voiced a powerful message of support for the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks.
Wilson said:
“Our country’s work is not anywhere close to done. We need justice. We need true leadership. We need a change. And we need it now. I look at my children, and I pray for a better future. … The only thing that must die is racism. Black lives matter. So where do we go from here?”
Later in the video, Rapinoe and Bird both urged white athletes and fans to take a vocal stance in fighting systemic racism. Rapinoe said:
“So will it be uncomfortable? Yes. And speaking up, will we make mistakes? Yes. That cannot stop us from trying.”
Four years ago, NBA stars LeBron James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade opened the ESPYS with a message for Black Lives Matter. That call for action continues today.
