Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews makes powerful statement on George Floyd protests

“Where am I ignorant about the privileges that I may have that others don’t?” Toews wrote.

NHL players aren’t known for being politically vocal, but the last few days have pushed many of them out of their comfort zones. As protests over the death of George Floyd sweep across America, players have been forced to take notice and some have even made thoughtful statements addressing the racial injustice facing black communities.

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews waited several days to contribute his thoughts, but in the end released an eloquent reflection on not just the situation playing out across the country, but what he, as a white man, needs to be doing to help address issues of systemic inequality.

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A lot of people may claim these riots and acts of destruction are a terrible response. I’ll be the first to admit that as a white male that was also my first reaction. But who am I to tell someone that their pain is not real? Especially when it is at a boiling point and impossible to hold in anymore. It’s obviously coming from a place of truth. This reaction isn’t coming out of thin air. I’m not condoning or approving the looting, but are we really going to sit here and say that peaceful protesting is the only answer? There has been plenty of time for that, and if it was the answer we would’ve given it our full attention long ago. Listen to these two men debate. They are lost, they are in pain. They strived for a better future but as they get older they realize their efforts may be futile. They don’t know the answer of how to solve this problem for the next generation of black women and men. This breaks my heart. I can’t pretend for a second that I know what it feels like to walk in a black man’s shoes. However, seeing the video of George Floyd’s death and the violent reaction across the country moved me to tears. It has pushed me to think, how much pain are black people and other minorities really feeling? What have Native American people dealt with in both Canada and US? What is it really like to grow up in their world? Where am I ignorant about the privileges that I may have that others don’t? Compassion to me is at least trying to FEEL and UNDERSTAND what someone else is going through. For just a moment maybe I can try to see the world through their eyes. Covid has been rough but it has given us the opportunity to be much less preoccupied with our busy lives. We can no longer distract ourselves from the truth of what is going on. My message isn’t for black people and what they should do going forward. My message is to white people to open our eyes and our hearts. That’s the only choice we have, otherwise this will continue. Let’s choose to fight hate and fear with love and awareness. Ask not what can you do for me, but what can I do for you? Be the one to make the first move. In the end, love conquers all. #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Jonathan Toews (@jonathantoews) on

A lot of statements from teams and players over the past few days have felt forced or disingenuous, but Toews’ note shows what white allies need to do and say to better help communities of color. Toews doesn’t pretend to have any answers, nor does he hide behind any kind of “both sides” rhetoric. What he does do is admit his own shortcomings and ask other white players to join him into looking at their own privilege.

I can’t pretend for a second that I know what it feels like to walk in a black man’s shoes. However, seeing the video of George Floyd’s death and the violent reaction across the country moved me to tears. It has pushed me to think, how much pain are black people and other minorities really feeling? What have Native American people dealt with in both Canada and US? What is it really like to grow up in their world? Where am I ignorant about the privileges that I may have that others don’t?

Most importantly, Toews’ message doesn’t police the behavior of black people during the protests.

My message isn’t for black people and what they should do going forward. My message is to white people to open our eyes and our hearts. That’s the only choice we have, otherwise this will continue.

In so many cases, the burden to affect change is always squarely on communities of color. Here, at least, Toews understands that it needs to be shared by white communities as well.  While one Instagram post doesn’t fix anything, it’s a step in the right direction. Hopefully, it only goes forward from here.

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