Video After The Jump
ESPN held it's 2016 ESPY Awards Wednesday, July 13, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade used the occasion to speak about the current state of unrest in America and urged more athletes to use their high profile positions and wealth to help rebuild urban areas, mentor the youth and raise awareness in an effort to bring the country together.
"We cannot ignore the realities of the current state of America," Anthony said. "The events of the past week have put a spotlight on the injustice, distrust and anger that plagues so many of us. The system is broken. The problems are not new, the violence is not new and the racial divide, definitely is not new. But the urgency to great change is at an all time high."
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony open #ESPYS with speech on racial profiling, gun violence.https://t.co/qHQ0BjVjWb
— ABC News (@ABC) July 14, 2016
"We all feel helpless and frustrated by the violence," James added. "But that's not acceptable. It's time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves 'What are we doing to create change?' It's not about being a role model. It's not about our responsibilities to the tradition of activism. I know tonight we're honoring Muhammad Ali, the GOAT. But to do his legacy any justice let's use this moment as a call to action, for all professional athletes to educate ourselves. Explore these issues ... speak up. Use our influence and renounce all violence. And most importantly, go back to our communities. Invest our time, our resources, help rebuild them, help strengthen them, help change them. We all have to do better."
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