By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88
As life slowly progresses to a “new normal” amidst all that has happened in recent months, the hockey community (more specifically members of the Bruins) have embraced the need for change. Others have continued their outreach to help those affected by Covid-19.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
“Silence is not an option for me anymore.”
Bruins center Patrice Bergeron released a rare statement reacting to the recent death of George Floyd, a American black man who died while being pinned down under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer. Many in the hockey world showed solidarity by marching alongside those affected by the tragedy and Bergeron took to writing out his thoughts:
“As many of you know, I don’t have social media. Right or wrong, I’ve often tried to stay away from making my opinions public. As hockey players, we have a tendency to do our business while staying quiet, without trying to make too much noise. It is in our culture. But surrounding the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed, it made me realize that by not speaking up on the matter and not using my voice as a professional athlete, it’s in fact allowing racism to fester and continue…
“I realize that I will never truly understand the fear, pain and suffering the black community has endured. As a white man I have always tried to live by respect and equality, but I also acknowledge my privileges. I am disappointed in myself that it took this long for me to truly open my eyes. Seeing all this pain truly breaks my heart and forces me to seek answers.”
Bergeron and his family will be donating money to the Boston Chapter of the NAACP and to the Centre Multiethnique De Quebec-$25,000 each.
THE CAPTAIN
“I will never know what it’s like to walk down a street and feel unsafe. No one should have to experience that feeling.”
Fans of the Boston Bruins and of any Boston sport can all agree that Captain Zdeno Chara embodies the characteristics of a bona fide leader. Whether its in the locker room or off the ice, Chara’s words and actions have resonated throughout the NHL. Politics aside and no longer wanting to be a bystander, the Captain took to social media a day after attending a local Black Lives Matter protest:
“For the last 13 days I have been sick about George Floyd’s murder. I have taken time to think and listen. Time to find bravery and time to try to find the right words, though I’ll admit I’m still struggling. First thing is first and let me be clear: I stand with the Black community. Black Lives Matter. There is no room in this world for racism. Period.
…we have to take better care of each other and respect each other. Equality must be a priority. Anything less is unacceptable.
I learned a lot yesterday and had good, honest conversations. Not only did we take steps in a walk but we made strides in learning and educating together. But it doesn’t stop there. I will continue to stand – and walk – with you. I have your back.”
RUN FOR CHARITY
While the country continues to deal with Covid-19, Bruins legend Ray Bourque changed up his annual Bourque Family 7.7k Road Race. Originally started in 2018, the Foundation is set up to help support important causes and help communiteis in need. While runners in the past have ran the unique course, this year’s race is virtual. It closed out this past weekend and proceeds from this year’s race will got to those affected by the virus.
For more information, click here.
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