As I write this, I am angry. People across America are angry. Protesters are marching in communities and demanding change; wanting to end institutionalized racism. It ignited following the horrific and inhumane murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Outraged people, Black and white, are fed up and screaming enough is enough.
I have two children. Both are adults now, but today I am more concerned for their health and well-being than I was when they were adolescents. My son is 26-years old. He works full-time doing what he loves, is self-supporting, independent, and a hard worker. I love him dearly yet worry that he is a prime target for being victimized for simply being a Black man in America.
As I watched the George Floyd video, I grimaced when the 42-year old man pleaded “Mama,” and I thought of my son. I grew angrier when Floyd said, “I can’t breathe,” and then I thought of my son again. Like most, I wonder how long our country will suffer from these unjust racial disparities. Will my son prosper as we demand change, or be swept away by the powerful undercurrent?
My professional background is in education and sports, specifically golf. Both industries are microcosms of our larger American society, with similar systemic disenfranchisement, discrimination, and racial inequalities. I might not be able to change the world, but at the least, I do gain satisfaction by continually trying to make a small difference in the spaces that I operate.
So, following the George Floyd incident, I reached out to a trusted friend. He is white and a golf industry leader. I shared this video with him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c1uJywjPbA, along with a short article on white privilege. I asked him to review both, and then schedule a call to discuss. He did, and we talked for at least an hour. The open and candid dialogue was refreshing and needed.
We both agreed that sports make a difference in America, and that we would work more closely together to support changes in our environment. We complimented the many athletes who have stepped forward since Floyd’s death, and agreed more are needed. Thus far, it is an impressive list of celebrities, including NBA greats LeBron James and Steph Curry. Legendary tennis star Chris Evert chimed in, as did current phenom Coco Gauff. There has been a plethora of NFL stars showing support, such as JJ Watt, Tom Brady, and Miami Dolphin coach Brian Flores. Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement on behalf of the league. Neither my friend nor I could recall anything from the golf world though. Nothing!
I asked my friend if he would help us get more golf leaders and players engaged in similar conversations like we just had. Not simply for the sake of conversation, but with the hope that meaningful dialogue could help tear down social barriers in golf, improve race relations, and ultimately increase inclusion. He agreed. He also agreed that George Floyd’s brutal murder was not just a Black issue. It is a reoccurring social justice issue, and it’s an American issue.
As we closed the phone conversation, I reminded my friend of two quotes from Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a brilliant Black scholar and social justice advocate. Dr. Dyson said “Blacks need whites to speak up. Their presence adds a moral weight to the gathering.” He also said: “When there are traumatic events that the world can see, we need clear white voices of resistance that the world can hear.”
If we all work together, then perhaps we can use George Floyd’s tragic death as a springboard towards social justice. Maybe his brutal murder can force intelligent Black and white leaders to come together and make the necessary changes to finally eliminate institutionalized racism in America. We all must do our part.
Michael Cooper, PhD.
ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D.
Dr. Michael W. Cooper is Chairman of the WE ARE GOLF Diversity Task Force, former Director of Diversity for the World Golf Foundation/The First Tee, and past Assistant Dean/Campus Director for Springfield College-Tampa Bay campus. Contact him at mcooper2@springfieldcollege.edu.
