The meeting took place on Monday at The Vatican in Rome.
“There been times that I thought I couldn’t last for long
But now I think I’m able to carry on
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will” — Sam Cooke
On November 23rd, Pope Francis met with five NBA players and their representatives to discuss social justice and the need to change for the better. The meeting, which took place at The Vatican, included NBA players Kyle Korver, Sterling Brown, and John Isaac.
NBA players have been protesting against racial injustice and calling for social justice. Just a few months ago, the Milwaukee Bucks boycotted in response to Jacob Blake’s shooting in Wisconsin. As a result, the NBA postseason was put on hold. Eventually, the NBA continued its season.
The Pope wanted to learn more about what has inspired NBA players to speak up and protest. Brown talked about his personal experience with police brutality after being tasered by Milwaukee police (parking violations) in 2018. He recently settled a $750,000 lawsuit against the city.
This meeting is another example of the quest to see all people as equals. Hopefully, it will open the door to more meetings and conversations about making the world a better and more just place.
