Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere - A Team Initiative

Standing together as a team – Image (c) Jeff JHO Hoyland, 2018 all rights reserved – Click to view larger image

Compiled by The Bedford Citizen

Because of an initiative led by Sophomore Malachi Hazelton and Junior Rahim Williams on behalf of the Bedford High School boys’ varsity basketball team, the players wore special warm-up hoodies before their January 26 game against Concord-Carlisle.

At Principal Heather Galante’s request, Williams and Hazelton presented their proposal to a full BHS staff meeting — nearly 100 teachers, counselors, coaches, and staff — whereupon they earned unanimous support before ordering the shirts.

So that everyone attending the game would understand the team’s motivation, each ticket came with an explanatory handout:

Dear Parents, Students, Friends, Visitors and Basketball Fans alike:

Tonight you will notice that the Bedford High School Boys Varsity Team has elected to wear sweatshirts during warm-ups. The front of each sweatshirt contains a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” “Black Lives Matter” is written on the back of each sweatshirt additionally listing the names of several victims of racial violence. This idea came to fruition after a meaningful and courageous conversation that took place among our team. While our coach participated in the discussion, this is a decision that we have made together as teammates.

We are NOT staging a protest, aligning with any movement or looking to create controversy. Our collective goal is to foster conversation surrounding race in each of our individual circles of influence; whether that be in our classrooms or practices, at our dinner tables or lunch tables, with our teams, families or friends. We do not pretend to have all the answers nor do we believe the conversations will be easy or without discomfort. We do, however, hope to participate in conversations where we can listen to understand, be heard and support each other.

Sincerely,

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team

ICYMI: Bedford won the game, 70-59. Click this link to see Bedford Snapshots’ album of game pictures