Lewis Hamilton has been using his platform to shed light on the inequality within the sports industry, in particular, Formula One. From wearing t-shirts during interviews, to responding on social media regarding social injustice, and discrimination around the world. The t-shirts are radical because they evoke emotion, and they made a statement on such a large platform. It demonstrated unity and solidarity.

I find this article interesting because of the outpouring support Lewis received from Mercedes and Toto Wolff, his team boss. This is unusual because when athletes speak out, they usually don’t get managements support at this level, especially when a political issue is gaining momentum and is recognized as a controversial topic. This controversy was highlighted when Lewis Hamilton wore a t-shirt at the Tuscan Grand Prix; it read “Arrest the Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor.” This actual t-shirt went under investigation from the Formula One organization. 

Lewis is not the only athlete using his platform in support, for example Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem. Also, tennis player Naomi Osaka wore different masks during the U.S Open with different victims of police brutalities names. These are only some of the athletes using their platform against systematic racism against black people.  

It is clear that change is needed. Structures in modern-day slavery can no longer continue. It is remarkable for me to see people of color uniting and standing up for change; enough is enough!  

My daily journey is to not get caught or blown up in the mine fields of systematic racism and discrimination. These articles clearly demonstrate that changes can be made, and some corporate organization and educational institutions are begging to make changes in their practices. A clear example of this is Nike’s Colin Kaepernick commercials, hiring Black Professors, and showing people of color in a new, positive light. I support this and I stand with these companies, these athletes, and these activists.  

Jeremiah Addison

Featured image: Lewis Hamilton wearing an “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” T-shirt before Tuscan Grand Prix (Source: Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 Via Getty Images)