At NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Keith Lee came to the ring with Black Lives Matter on his jacket and trunks. Less than a week later on WWE SmackDown, Kofi Kingston and Big E had tribute bands on their arm, took a knee in the middle of the ring, and raised a fist in the air.
Without saying a word, all three used the WWE television platform to spread awareness regarding racial injustice in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd.
Speaking on Female Quotient's Women In The Business of Sports panel, Stephanie McMahon commented on Kofi, Big E, and Keith using the platform and how athletes should be encouraged to do so.
"We had one performer, Keith Lee, wear Black Lives Matter on his trunks and ring jacket and two other performers, Big E and Kofi Kingston, had representation on their arms and kneeled in the ring. Really very powerful. We need to encourage the athletes to utilize their voices and the opportunity. This unusual time is where you can have more visibility socially and digitally, when there are no sports, to utilize their voices. Someone on the panel mentioned that it's not only important for the athletes, but for the brands and media that support them. Change will not happen unless we all come together and make it happen," she said.
Stephanie previously said putting out a statement condemning racism is not enough and action needs to be behind it. She also said WWE is partnering with different organizations to amplify their voices during this time. You can find her full comments by clicking here.
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