Published 11:49 IST, June 1st 2020

Raptors President Masai Ujiri calls out racism in wake of George Floyd's death

As protesters continue to seek justice for George Floyd, Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri shared his opinion on the tragic incident and racism in America.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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As protesters continue to seek justice for George Floyd, Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri shared his opinion on tragic incident and racism in America.  Ujiri concluded that following Floyd's death last week, conversations about racism can longer be avoided. In a column published by  Globe and Mail, Ujiri expressed his opinion on Floyd being murdered by a Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee on Floyd's neck till he stopped struggling. 

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Masai Ujiri on racism: Masai Ujiri on George Floyd death

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Masai Ujiri on racism and George Floyd's death: 'We have to stop that cycle'

In his letter, Ujiri recalled recent death of Ahmaud Arbery. He was an African American man who was shot while he was jogging in Georgia. He even mentioned Breonna Taylor, a dark-skinned woman, who was shot in her home in Kentucky by police. Ujiri said that when a trdy like this occurs, people r about it. However, headlines recede sooner or later and world moves on. As per Ujiri, this cycle needs to stop. 

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He referred to sense of helplessness everyone is feeling. Ujiiri insisted that everyone's voice matters, especially if one is a leader or an influential figure, and especially if y are white. As per Ujiri, leaders have to be bold eugh to state obvious and call out racism. However, he emphasises that ' conversation can longer be avoided because it is hard.'

While he admitted that police have a tough job, y are here to protect everyone. He recalled video that captured Floyd's death, saying that re protection or peace when officer killed Floyd. All he could see was indifference and law and order should t mean 'deadly suppression of people of colour; it should mean preserving a society so we can all feel free and safe, to live in peace with each or'.

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Various or athletes and authoritative figures have chosen to raise ir voice against Floyd's death. This included NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Steve Nash, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry and LA Lakers LeBron James among many ors. While protests continue, former officer Chauvin has been arrested and charged for third-degee murder and manslaughter. 

(Im courtesy: NBA official site)

 

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11:49 IST, June 1st 2020