After the demise of African-American national George Floyd, the world witnessed a global protest against White Supremacy and gave birth to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign.
Footballers in the English Premier League (EPL) are seen kneeling down for a few seconds before the start of play, standing in solidarity with a campaign empowering the Black race.
Also, the game between England and West Indies at Ageas Bowl in Southampton saw the return of international cricket post-COVID-19 hiatus.
Before the start of the match, players from both England and West Indies were seen kneeling down on one knee and clenched fists.
However, it was former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding’s vigorous stance against racism which has gained a substantial amount of applause all over the internet.
Even popular commentator and broadcaster Harsh Bhogle lauded Holding’s efforts during the match analysis segment.
“Well done @SkyCricket to offer time to talk about educating people on a cricket broadcast. I can see people in the comments section squirming a bit. I am smiling at the thought of educating them about colonialism and the extraordinary cruelty of some they regard as heroes!!” Bhogle tweeted.
Well done @SkyCricket to offer time to talk about educating people on a cricket broadcast. I can see people in the comments section squirming a bit. I am smiling at the thought of educating them about colonialism and the extraordinary cruelty of some they regard as heroes!! https://t.co/7AIVJHtweA
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 8, 2020
“What people need to understand is that this thing stems from… hundreds of years ago. The dehumanisation of the black race is where it started,” said Holding on a Sky Sports’ show.
The cricketer-turned-commentator cited out the case of Amy Cooper, who falsely reported police after observing an African-American birdwatcher in New York city.
“She [Cooper]…had the thought process that she was white, this man is black…the black guy will have to prove he is not guilty and by the time he proves he’s not guilty, he might be dead…That is why she did what she did,” Holding added.
Here’s how the cricketing community reacted:
Powerful. Very powerful. https://t.co/GojanXbvYI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 8, 2020
That's powerful . https://t.co/mt3Q198bdP
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) July 8, 2020
Outstanding this from Michael Holding on @SkyCricket / @FoxCricket & well worth a listen. Well spoken my friend and great to have international cricket back too ! #ENGvsWI https://t.co/XmoPiDOxX4
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 8, 2020
I love Michael Holding.
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 8, 2020
We all need educating … PLEASE watch … Michael Holdings greatest delivery … https://t.co/KQJQML04j6
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 8, 2020
True words spoken https://t.co/kLNpAmePcE
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) July 9, 2020
This is why we need to keep the conversation going. Dressing up as banter but not realising the impact. Powerful. #basichumanity https://t.co/P0xq2YbBXW
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) July 8, 2020
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 8, 2020
💯 let that sink in y’all heads .. Have a Good day ✊🏾 https://t.co/vNef2NF9BB
— Tino95 (@tinobest) July 8, 2020
Very powerful piece from Michael Holding #Respect https://t.co/mtXJlxPU2M
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) July 8, 2020