It takes a lot of courage and bravery to stand up for what you believe in when it comes at great personal cost to your own life, professional or otherwise. Tennis star Naomi Osaka has shown that bravery in a new tweet.
Information about the ongoing protests in the U.S. and around the world is rapidly changing and Diply is committed to providing the most recent data as it becomes available. Some of the information in this story may have changed since publication, and we encourage readers to follow their local trusted news outlet(s) to stay up to date on the latest information surrounding these events.
RELATED STORIES
On August 23rd, Jacob Blake was shot by police officers while he attempted to get into a vehicle.
While much is still unknown about the events that took place , the police officers involved have since been placed under administrative leave as an investigation by local and state authorities unfolds. Federal agents are also reviewing the incident and deciding whether a civil rights investigation is appropriate.
This incident has sparked more Black Lives Matter protests around the world, including an NBA and WNBA strike.
Naomi Osaka, who was only two matches away from winning the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio, also decided to drop out of the tournament in protest of these events.
“Before I am an athlete, I am a Black woman,” Naomi shared of her decision in a statement on Twitter . “And as a Black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis.”
Naomi continued, stating that she hoped to start a conversation with her action.
“I don’t expect anything drastic to happen with me not playing, but if I can get a conversation started in a majority white sport I consider that a step in the right direction,” Naomi continued in her statement.
“Watching the continued genocide of Black people at the hand of the police is honestly making me sick to my stomach,” she wrote.
“I’m exhausted of having a new hashtag pop up every few days and I’m extremely tired of having this same conversation over and over again.”
We commend Naomi for her bravery in taking a stand for what she believes in!
