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Memphis Grizzlies rookie, and former Murray State star, Ja Morant has asked for the removal of a Confederate statue in the downtown court square of Murray, Kentucky.
Morant stated in a letter to Kentucky Judge Kenneth C. Imes that the statue, which represents a Confederate war general that defended white supremacy and hatred, is disturbing and oppressive to the black community. Morant questioned the statue and found it disturbing that it still stands.
The death of George Floyd on May 25 has sparked protests worldwide against racism and social injustices. Athletes and celebrities have used their platform to speak out against police brutality and issue support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Former Murray State point guard and current Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has weighed in on the Confederate statue in the downtown courtsquare of Murray, Ky. pic.twitter.com/77oaSfmcmq
— Edward Alan Marlowe (@dreamarlowe85) June 13, 2020
The Black Lives Matter movement, along with the worldwide protests, has called upon government entities in a renewed effort to ban and remove Confederate symbols. Morant’s letter comes one week after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called for the removal of the statue in Murray.
Amid the protests, Confederate symbols have been removed from several government buildings and areas throughout the United States. The Confederate flag was also banned this week from all NASCAR events after Bubba Wallace, the only black driver, asked for its removal.
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