Dak Prescott pledges $1 million to address systemic racism in powerful Instagram post
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott isn’t very active on social media, but when he does post, he makes it count. On Wednesday, Prescott used Instagram to post a powerful statement about his feelings regarding racism and George Floyd’s death, and he pledged $1 million of his own money toward ending systemic racism.
Prescott’s Instagram post features four images, all with words from Prescott himself. He describes how he felt watching the protests and the riots that have happened since the Floyd’s killing in police custody, and that he supports the riots but doesn’t feel violence or looting are the answer.
As a Black Multiracial American, I am disgusted and unsettled! I am as optimistic as they come! I try to understand and find the positive in every situation or aspect of my life. [...]
As our communities take action, protesting and fighting for the justice of George Floyd and every Black life, I am with you!
I have viewed these protests and riots in our streets as a form of strength and an attempt to show we as Black people have rights that are being perceived equally as our counterparts.
These riots have caused consternation and confusion in an already Crisis-driven world.
I do not believe in looting or that violence is the answer.
Prescott then reveals that he’s struggled with anxiety since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which has made processing his older brother’s death even harder. Prescott’s brother Jace died suddenly in late April, and Jace’s memory has inspired him to do more and “find a bigger purpose” in his life.
As I process the passing of my brother, I have come to realize we are not given a voice to pronounce how much we matter.
It is our obligation to tell our neighbor how much they matter to us and take a stand for the greater good of each other.
BLACK LIVES MATTER!
Prescott also directly addresses the police, saying that he respects them while also demanding that they be accountable.
How can you claim to uphold the law when those within your own ranks doen’t abide by it? You need to hold your own accountable! Each of you are as guilty as the men who stood beside Derek Chauvin [the officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck] if you do not stand up against the systemic racism plaguing our police forces nationwide. TAKE ACTION!
As long as cops continue to profile blacks as a threat, cops will continue to be perceived as untrustworthy.
Prescott ends by pledging to take action himself, along with $1 million of his own money to help make change.
I will take action and help!
I will act alongside of all of you!
I plan to take action and pledge $1,000,000 to improve our police training and address systematic racism through education and advocacy in our country.
A post like this isn’t something many expected from Prescott, who is typically pretty quiet on major issues. But it seems that he’s been moved to action by Floyd’s senseless death and the passion of the protesters braving tear gas and rubber bullets to take a stand against racism.
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