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Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed that Proteas players will raise their fists at the start of the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park in Centurion as part of their support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
The Proteas were heavily criticized by the public for their decision not to kneel during the recent series of limited overs against England in Cape Town.
“To this end, we have made the decision, through a process of deep democracy, to raise our fists at the start of the Betway Test series against Sri Lanka as a gesture to express our ongoing commitments,” said a CSA statement. Saturday morning. .
“We recognize that gestures have histories and contexts, that they carry meaning beyond themselves (both positive and negative) and that these gestures can be open to misinterpretation. Symbols also serve to communicate shared values and meanings.
“We, as the Proteas team, have stated, on multiple occasions, our unmistakable support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign. We have openly discussed the issue on numerous occasions with the media and with each other and we are committed to continuing to do this work together.
“We think it’s important to note that while American football quarterback Colin Kaepernick is now known for initiating the kneeling gesture, he began his protest by sitting down during the singing of the United States of America (USA) anthem. ). His decision to get on his knees was a response to his context and a desire to possess a gesture that had deep meaning in the political environment of America.
CSA said they are aware that their decision to raise their fists is likely to draw criticism from certain sectors of the community.
“We continue to own our journey and our previously stated position on this issue (Player Statement and Press Release Nov. 25). We recognize that our actions are likely to result in criticism from some community, one way or another, but we work to prioritize the team, to be honest about our own learning journey, and to continue to make decisions that we can make conscientious as a team first and foremost, and as individuals.
“The raised fist is a powerful gesture in our own history, as expressed in the iconic images of Nelson and Winnie Mandela on Mandela’s release from prison in 1990. In this context, it was a powerful gesture of triumph, an acknowledgment. of the fight against apartheid ‚And the commitment to continue fighting for equality, justice and freedom‚ while respecting the religious and cultural responsibilities of each member of our team.
“The raised fist has a long history within the civil rights movement as well. It has also been used iconically in sports. For example, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists during a medal ceremony at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and later called it a “human rights salute.” More recently it has been used within the BLM movement.
“We recognize the historical and political connotations of the raised fist as a gesture of permanent solidarity in the fight for racial justice and work against racism. So, “we stand united and raise our fists as a gesture of solidarity and commitment to continue the work of seeking racial justice in our lives.”
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