METAIRIE, Louisiana – Player leaders for the New Orleans Saints, including safety Malcolm Jenkins and quarterback Drew Brees, announced a one-season #SayHerName initiative on Friday to tackle the plight of black women in America.
Saints linebacker Demario Davis and left tackle Terron Armstead explained that the “player-led campaign” was designed as a way “to be on the same page with a united issue” on which players could. use their platform this season.
They credited Saints owner Gayle Benson and the organization for their “100% support”.
“This is what you need to change – you need everyone,” Davis said. “We want to be an example as an organization.”
Jenkins, Brees, Davis, Armstead, running back Alvin Kamara, defensive end Cameron Jordan, punter Thomas Morstead and linebacker Craig Robertson produced a video that was tweeted by several players throughout the day with the hashtag #SayHerName – which specifically mentioned Breonna Taylor, who was gunned down in her apartment by Louisville cops in March.
Too often, the intersectionality of racism and sexism creates a unique fate experienced by BLACK WOMEN. For a fairer and more equitable society, we as @saints the team, will dedicate this season to raising voices, speaking out against oppression, and showcasing black women. #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/xiPMXAkDXy
– Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) September 11, 2020
“As Saints, we want to use our platform this season for a meaningful change,” the players said in the video, taking turns reciting the lines. “Don’t distract from the issues. Don’t stick to sports. But work together as teammates for meaningful change. Our goal is to raise awareness of the current plight of black women in America.
“When it comes to the larger conversation about social justice, black women are usually left out – as evidenced by the case of Breonna Taylor. We do not recognize the cross effects of racism and sexism of black women.
According to the team, players will have a roundtable discussion each week this season on issues related to black women and their experiences. A video of this discussion will be shown before the match and will present the story of a black woman who died in a case of police brutality. And players will wear #SAYHERNAME t-shirts before games.
Brees drew reaction from several of his teammates in June for distracting from the Black Lives Matter movement when he said he “would never agree with anyone who disrespects the flag” by kneeling down during the anthem national. But Brees apologized on several occasions in the days that followed, saying he was “completely missing the mark” and vowing to be an “ally” of people of color in the fight for social justice and social justice. racial equality.
Teammates praised Brees for his sincere efforts since then – including a social media post Brees addressed to President Donald Trump, insisting that “we can no longer use the flag to distract people or distract them from real issues we face. Black communities. ”Jenkins, who was Brees’ harshest critic at the time of his flag comment, recently said,“ If anything, the team is probably closer, because we must have had these difficult conversations. “
Other athletes also focused on the “Say Her Name” campaign. This season, the WNBA and its players have worn shirts with “Black Lives Matter” on the front and “Say Her Name” on the back.
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