Amid protests against racism, police brutality and social injustice, a long list of Alouettes players and executives are finding ways to stand up against injustice and show their support to communities in need.
Protesting against discrimination and racism
Yesterday, Sunday, June 7th, Alouettes president Mario Cecchini and General Manager Danny Maciocia walked alongside thousands of Quebecers in Montreals’ peaceful protest against racism and police brutality. Players also showed up to speak up against social injustice, including Tyrell Sutton, Tony Washington, B.J. Cunningham, and Trey Rutherford.
“It was really important for us to be there. Our DNA is built around diversity,” stated Cecchini. We were horrified by last week’s events. The players have been so involved. James Wilder Jr. has been peacefully protesting every day in Houston.”
James Wilder Jr. has in fact been very active in the fight for equality on the other side of the border. In the wake of the death of George Floyd on May 25, and having been victim of discrimination and racial profiling himself, our new running back felt compelled to fight for the rights of the black community and speak out against racism. He’s become a self-proclaimed “full-time activist”, joining the Black Lives Matter Houston Protest Group and participating in many day-long peaceful marches in Houston, Texas.
Spoke with Houstons Police Chief @ArtAcevedo these last few days in harsh environments where it’s not found to all protestors. I’m not team police at all but I understand we must bridge the gap between police and Black ppl! More meetings in the future!#WeStandTogether #getWILDER pic.twitter.com/iGXt9yJWe3
— James Wilder Jr (@IAm_Wilder32) June 5, 2020
He also posted a video on his Twitter account last Tuesday that featured several CFL players, including Alouettes linebacker Henoc Muamba, to encourage us all to stand together against systemic racism and police brutality.
Called on some of my brothers all round the @cfl to openly stand with me against Systematic Racism and Police Brutality WITHOUT hesiststion they STOOD!!!
Now WE call on YOU to Proudly stand with us!!!!
SILENCE IS VIOLENCE!!!!!
✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻#STANDTOGETHER #CFL #getWILDER pic.twitter.com/Wx45fyNkCP— James Wilder Jr (@IAm_Wilder32) June 2, 2020
Eugene Lewis also joined hundreds of protestors in a Black Lives Matter protest on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to call for change after the brutal death of George Floyd.
Wilkes Barre PA ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/6MWwMJHnik
— Geno Lewis (@GENOALLDAY7) June 3, 2020
Always leading by example, Khari Jones and his family took part in the peaceful protest in Vancouver on June 5. Our head coach also shared his personal experience with racism and discrimination in a touching interview with the media last week.
My family and I took part in the peaceful protest yesterday in Vancouver. It was so great to hear the speakers and see so many people together. Now the hard work begins – confronting injustice when we see it in the real world.
— Khari Jones (@Khari17Jones) June 6, 2020
Lien dispo média Khari
Donating time and money to help black communities
In addition to protesting, players have found different ways to help those in need, namely by donating time or money.
Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. will be putting his US$ 1,200 coronavirus stimulus check from the American government towards the cause. Last week, he put a call on Twitter for a local black-owned business to donate the money to.
I want to know more ways I can help.. For some reason I just got my stimulus check, and I’m trying to donate it to a black owned business who needs help right now… lead me in the right way ✊🏽
— Vernon Adams Jr. (@bigplay_va) June 5, 2020
Defensive tackle Lord Hyemang has been donating his time and giving out a helping hand to local communities by participating in a community clean up initiative following the riots that that place in Minneapolis last week.
Speaking out against racism on social media
Over the past few days, a long list of Alouettes players have been very active on their social media accounts to speak out against racism, share their personal stories, and raise awareness about the issue.
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We are very proud of our men for their involvement in the cause. Let’s keep speaking up against racism and adding our voices to the call for change.