By Alaina Houser
Ramparts
Holt HS
1st Place
Division 1, News Writing
Diversity Coverage
As the final words of the National Anthem played over the loudspeaker, most people in the stands prepared to sit. Spectators moved their hands from their heart and put back on their hats. The last note of the song was heard through the clapping and the shuffle of the crowd finding their seats.
Just as most people sat down, four players on the field stood up.
Lansing Catholic senior football players Mikey Lynn III, Roje Williams, Matthew Abdullah, son of Holt High School student success teacher Marcie Abdullah, and junior Kabbash Richards chose to kneel during the National Anthem before their game against Ionia on Oct. 6 and did so at other games throughout their season.
Their decision to kneel was originally intended to peacefully protest against racial injustice in the United States, but their message grew to encompass all unequal treatment of minorities.
“In the start, it was about racial injustices towards blacks, but we can open that up to all minorities. It’s about minorities getting fair treatment in America,” said Lynn III, a former Holt student who is now attending Lansing Sexton High School.
They hope that their protest will cause a change for the generation after them.
“It’s about a lot more than just football in my life; it’s about the younger generation and making sure they’ll feel safe on the streets,” said Williams.
Abdullah, Lynn III, and Williams were guest speakers in English and journalism teacher Sarah Ashman’s sophomore English classes on Nov. 9 . They shared their experiences and spoke about racism as it related to the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, which her students are reading in class. The students were able to ask questions and share their perspectives during the class, as well.
Many students supported the players and found their decision inspiring.
“I applaud what they’re doing because, being black, I face certain things that they talked about facing. They were sticking up for what they believe in, and that’s the best thing to do,” said sophomore Roshwandra Thomas.
Junior Shamayah Scates agreed, pointing out that the lasting effect of the players’ choice would ripple beyond the Lansing Catholic football field.
“I think what they’re doing is a good thing and it’s also inspiring. It’s setting a trend for other people to join them… it’s going to end up having a big impact on the community,” said junior Shamayah Scates.
Many people are not opposed to the message the players are trying to share, but rather the way they choose to use their voice.
Some feel that kneeling during the National Anthem is disrespectful towards veterans.
“It shows that they’re disrespecting the veterans, which I know they aren’t trying to, but to other people, it comes off that way,” said sophomore Austin Montgomery.
While sophomore Cole Baker agreed that their kneeling made a great impact, he was also critical of the method they chose.
“Before listening to the football players, I was completely against [them kneeling], but after hearing them and their reasons for doing it, I’m a little more open to it. I think there are other ways possibly,” Baker said.
For better or worse, the players have found the controversy that has resulted has given them new p e r s p e c t i v e s and has opened conversations for them.
“It definitely opened our eyes. We got to see how people felt, people that I’ve never even talked to before,” said Lynn III.
Reflecting on their choice, the players felt that kneeling enabled them to speak on a platform that they did not previously have.
“I felt great about it because I knew that was the only way I could have my voice heard. It gave me a voice and made me realize we all have a powerful voice that needs to be heard by everyone,” said Williams.
They hope that as a result of their choice, other students will be able to find their voice by whatever means necessary.
Said Lynn III, “Some students might not feel comfortable raising their hands and sharing their stories. I don’t want to just open the door; I want to kick the door open. I think it is important for people to have a voice.”