Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw posts Juneteenth message after feeling ‘part of the problem’

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw posted a powerful message on eve of Juneteenth.

After the death of George Floyd – an unarmed Black man who was killed at the hands of white police officers in Minnesota – many Los Angeles Dodgers players have used their platform to voice frustration over racism and police brutality.

However, one Dodger player was relatively silent, until last week, when Clayton Kershaw posted a powerful message on the even of Juneteenth about Black lives on his social media account.

"“Tomorrow is Juneteenth-the day that marks the abolition of slavery in 1865,” Kershaw wrote on Twitter. “And yet today our Black brothers and sisters are still facing injustices everyday, a reality that spans the history of our country. We have to stand up and say something.”"

After posting his thoughts, several of Dodger teammates re-tweeted it to show their appreciation. Kershaw told the Los Angeles times he wrote the message himself.

"“Change starts with conversations-we have to be willing to listen and learn and enter into tough conversations, both with our Black brothers and sisters and with our white brothers and sisters,” Kershaw continued. “Silence won’t cut it. We have to start by saying something and STANDING UP for our Black brothers and sisters. I want to listen. I want to learn, I want to do better and be different. I want my kids to be different.”"

Kershaw is one of the leading athletes in using his platform to help people in need. He started Kershaw’s Challenge in 2011 to help vulnerable and at-risk children in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic. He believes actions speak louder than words.

"“Words can only do so much,” Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times. “You really need to be action-based. But I spoke with my Black teammates and my Black coaches and they basically told me, ‘Your silence is speaking volumes right now’. That really hit me.”"

Kershaw has donated time and money on behalf of people of color, both in the United States and Africa. However, he felt compelled to say something about recent events after talking to his Black teammates and Black coaches.

"“To be a white person and not say anything, I really felt like more and more that I was a part of the problem,” Kershaw said. “I felt like I needed to say something, to speak out. It’s still just words, so I will follow that up with action.”"

After sending the tweet, Kershaw wants to do more. And based on his track record, we can expect to see the Cy Young Award winning pitcher doing whatever he can to make a difference off the field.

Clayton Kershaw follows the Dodgers lead in recognition of Juneteenth.

The Los Angeles Dodgers closed their offices on Friday in recognition of Juneteenth, the national holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The organization issued their own statement to condemn social injustices while invoking the symbolism of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in the major leagues.

The pause in professional sports has allowed the country an opportunity to keep a sharp focus on social injustices that have been ignored for too long. As MLB owners and players negotiate a framework for a potential 2020 season, they do so in the shadow of heightened social awareness and a global pandemic that might ultimately keep everyone from returning to play.

"“Black lives matter and I am committed to taking a stand and affecting change – starting with myself,” Kershaw said in the final words of his statement."

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It is great to see the future Hall-of-Fame pitcher putting his name on such powerful words about an important issue facing the country.