In today’s day and age of social injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement, media outlets are increasingly aware of the need for content that matters. Enter former Ohio State and current New Orleans Saints defensive back Malcolm Jenkins.
According to multiple reports, Jenkins has been hired by CNN as a contributor focusing on social rights and the movement of racial equality in this country. It’s rare for a current professional football athlete to be hired in the midst of his playing career, but such is the need for a voice of change and reason in this country. Jenkins has been very vocal on social media, calling out the need for change and racial equality.
“Now more than ever, the public needs to be educated on the roles of elected positions of power, such as the District Attorney, Police Chief or City Council and how to hold those individuals accountable, especially through their voice and their vote. In an important election year, I’m eager to join the CNN family and share my perspective as a regular contributor,” Jenkins said in a statement. ” I also want to thank CNN for their thoughtful leadership in viewing professional athletes beyond their sport as another educated voice who brings a varied perspective and value to the network’s programming and shows.”
Proud to join the @CNN family today as a regular contributor. Looking forward to being heard. #blacklivesmatter #MoreThanAnAthlete https://t.co/oizjMBy7s6
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) June 15, 2020
Jenkins has also been extremely active prior to the most recent protests resulting from the tragic death of Black man George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis. He has done other spot pieces for CNN, and created the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation for the benefit of young people in under-served communities.
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