In March, Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith surprised many by coming out against the anti-DEI and anti-Blackness movement in his home state of Florida.
Smith’s reaction was fueled by the University of Florida’s decision to end all DEI programs and offices in response to Governor DeSantis’ foolish “Stop WOKE Act”.
Smith, a Florida Gators legend, pulled no punches in his response.
“I am utterly disgusted by UF’s decision and the precedent that it sets,” wrote Smith in March in a post on X. “Without the DEI department, the job falls to the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full, to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies and athletic programs. We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity. History has already proven that is not the case.
“We need diverse thinking and background to enhance our University and the DEI department is necessary to accomplish those goals.
“Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision, UF has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time.“
Smith was absolutely correct in his statement and in taking a stand against a sentiment that has quickly swept through the South and Midwest, affecting hundreds in states like Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Alabama.
The NFL legend also called on “minority athletes” to recognize what’s happening and take a stand against it.
“To the MANY minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about this decision by the University who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight,” he wrote. “And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the sidelines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.”
Smith echoed exactly what many, including us and the NAACP, have been urging Black athletes to do, something that others like the 2015 University of Missouri football team did, which led to a change in the administration and its policies.
Unfortunately, with the allure of big college programs and the increasing size of NIL collectives and payouts, many are blinded from the realities of what Black non-athletes face on campuses across the states participating in DEI bans.
Last Thursday, during MLB’s tribute to the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Park in Alabama, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson spoke about his experiences playing in the state in the 1960s and the racism he endured.
“I would never want to do it again,” he said. “I walked into restaurants and they would point at me say ‘the ni**er’ can’t eat here.’ I would go to a hotel and they would say ‘the ni**ger can’t stay here.’”
This stunned many except those who already knew the realities of racism, especially in Alabama and the city many once referred to as “Bombingham” after the KKK blew up the 16th Street Baptist Church in 1963, killing four Black girls.
Jackson’s revelation reignited Smith’s stance against the efforts to ban DEI efforts.
“As I’m reflecting on Reggie Jackson’s raw comments from last week, it reinforces why DEI programs and initiatives must exist,” wrote Smith in a post on X on Tuesday. “His truth is a reminder of the pain and suffering endured by many of our Black ancestors, including significant sports figures.”
The last sentence is an important reminder that being an athlete does not shield you from racism. You see that through the pain Jackson has carried with him over the last sixty years.
Black athletes have the power to take a stand against the anti-DEI movement and deter the laws that are quickly being passed across the nation to ban an initiative that focuses on equality inclusive of qualifications.
But ignorants only focus on the idea that DEI means “more Black people” to scare people into taking action against what’s right.
More need to take up the challenge issued by Smith, especially more legendary and superstar athletes who have the power to inspire others.
“DEI must continue to build a better America,” Smith wrote at the end of his post.
Building a better America means changing the makeup of America and its traditional power structure, and that’s what scares people like DeSantis, Abbott and the MAGA crowd the most.
