Black Lives Matter
Amidst the protests that followed the tragic death of George Floyd on May 25, Newcastle United player and United States international DeAndre Yedlin revealed a private exchange with his grandfather that struck a chord with people of all races.
“A couple days after George Floyd’s death, my grandfather texted me and told me he’s glad that I am not living in the U.S. right now because he would fear for my life as a young black man,” Yedlin tweeted.
“As days have passed, this text from my grandfather has not been able to leave my mind.”
The 26-year-old is one of many American athletes to speak up about the police brutality that black people have long suffered at the hands of the authorities. But very few Premier League footballers have been as open and honest as Yedlin.
Fellow right-back Hector Bellerin is one of the more outspoken players in the English top flight when it comes to social issues, and this battle is no exception.
Bellerin and Yedlin came together to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and what Yedlin’s exchange with his grandfather says about the lack of progress that has been made since he was born in 1946.
You can watch the full interview on Bellerin’s YouTube channel.
“Donald Trump is the worst possible president we could have in a situation like this.”
Premier League footballers @yedlinny and @HectorBellerin discuss the #BlackLivesMatter movement. pic.twitter.com/30KTVcTxdU
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 5, 2020
