Activism: A Gateway to Stand Up for Humanity
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Keynote address at San Jose State University's Institute for Sport, Society & Social Change's inaugural Student Research Fair.
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Activism: A Gateway to Stand Up for Humanity
- 1. Marques R. Dexter | ISSSSC Student Research Fair | San Jose State University October 15, 2018
- 12. PEOPLE ARE TRAPPED IN HISTORY AND HISTORY IS TRAPPED IN THEM – JAMES BALDWIN
- 18. INTELLECTUAL ACTIVISM – MYRIAD OF WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE EMPHASIZE THE POWER OF THEIR IDEAS IN SERVICE TO SOCIAL JUSTICE (COLLINS, 2013)
- 20. TRUTH TO POWER TRUTH TO THE PEOPL
- 21. RISE UP
Editor's Notes
- Just mere hours away, the 50th anniversary of one of the most defining moments in sport history will occur. You see, it is our past that defines us. The beautiful and ugly moments that have set us up to where we are today.
- As a microcosm of society, one cannot forget that sport has always been a political battleground for the perils rampant throughout society. Most notably, a site where those who have existed outside the margins of power and respectability have fought for freedom and acceptance.
- Such efforts inside and out of the sporting arena illuminated the need for Blacks to take a stand against racial injustice. Although the opportunity for social mobility and notoriety were promised from athletic success, the commodification of their dominance and physicality only furthered the racial divide.
- Yet, as I stand here on this great campus I am reminded of the power of collective action in its ability to lead towards societal change.
- Unfortunately, as Uncle Jimmy put quite eloquently...
- For decades, thanks to technological, social and political advances assumed progress clouded our minds. No longer was power viewed from afar, the hopes and dreams of many marginalized groups seemed within reach.
- Yet, as the recent uprising of racially motivated attacks on the existence of Black and Brown people run rampant, we now are left confronting what can only be viewed as contradictory politics of inclusion and exclusion.
- And as our country grapples with the harsh reality of racial disharmony, it is within sport, once again, that we find advocates of change.
- From professional to intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, Black, White, male, female, straight or gay, our athletes are utilizing their platforms and positions of power to take a collective stance again societal injustice.
- We are living in a new age of woke athletes who are engaging in a contemporary form of intellectual activism
- As described by Patricia Hill Collins, intellectual activism speaks to the
- It links together content with ideas, process with actions, and resistance with oppression.
- It’s goal is not only to speak truth to power, but to also speak truth directly to the people. But, like many you must be wondering, Marques, this is great but HOW, how can I make a difference?
- Acts of social responsibility are numerous and only shield institutions of power from being held accountable for their perpetuation of social, political, and economic injustice. One must be aware of and respond to societal injustice
- And you do that by continuously educating yourself. Much can be learned from the past, but we must not continue romanticizing it. The legends of old aren’t that much different than your roommate, neighbor, sister or cousin. Read, question and think critically about everything.
- Next, it’s imperative that you engage in difficult conversations with those who think similar and those who think differently than you. Doing so allows you to make connects with and gain a deeper understanding of everyone’s standpoint. It also affords you the opportunity to make connections between the opposing sides.
- Then you must act in some shape or form. Being an activist isn’t relegated to just marches and protests, it can be done by speaking up and educating someone who’s being ignorant towards someone else. It could also take the form of writing an article or opinion piece. Heck, even tweeting is doing something!
- And last, but most certainly not least, pass the baton onto others. The sacrifices that the giants of our past were made so that we, the children of the future could benefit from their sacrifice. We must inspire collective action in every proceeding generation.
- Although the burden is tough, we must remember…