The New York Liberty and Seattle Storm made a statement before kicking off the WNBA season on Saturday.
Both teams left court during the national anthem in a peaceful protest and held a 26-second moment of silence for Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old black woman who was killed at her home by Louisville police. Each player also had Taylor’s name on the back of their shirts.
“We are dedicating this season to Breonna Taylor, an outstanding EMT who was killed more than 130 days ago at her home,” said Liberty player Layshia Clarendon in midfield, alongside Storm star Breanna Stewart, before the start. of the opening at IMG Academy. in Bradenton, Florida. “Breonna Taylor was dedicated and committed to elevating everyone around here. We are also dedicating this season to the “Say Your Name” campaign, a campaign committed to saying the names and fighting for justice for black women: Black women often forget in this fight for justice, that they do not have people who they march in the streets for them. We will say her name. Sandra Bland. Atatiana Jefferson. Dominique Remy falls. Breonna Taylor. We will be a voice for those who have no voice. “
The Liberty donated $ 25,000 to the African American Policy Forum and the #SayHerName campaign.
The players’ decision to leave during the national anthem comes from the hands of many MLB players, including the Yankees, kneeling before the anthem in recent days.
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