Police brutality in the United States has always been a massive problem. Numerous unarmed people of color have been killed by the police, including George Floyd who was choked to death in Minneapolis this past week. Protests have erupted all across the country and people are waiting to see how this will all play out. Needless to say, people are scared and angry and with the Coronavirus going around, life feels incredibly fragile.
When Eric Garner was killed by police a few years ago, many NBA players wore "I Can't Breathe" shirts in solidarity, including Kobe Bryant. Today, Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram with a photo of Kobe wearing the shirt and urged people to take care of each other while also standing up against injustice.
"My husband wore this shirt years ago and yet here we are again," Bryant wrote. "Life is so fragile. Life is so unpredictable. Life is too short. Let’s share and embrace the beautiful qualities and similarities we all share as people. Drive out hate. Teach respect and love for all at home and school. Spread LOVE. Fight for change- register to VOTE. Do not use innocent lives lost as an excuse to loot. BE AN EXAMPLE OF THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE."
Bryant's post is a stark reminder of the loss of Kobe and what a leader he would have been during these times. Regardless, it's good to know one of the best basketball players ever had the back of his people.