Last Friday marked a monumental off-the-field moment in history for the Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville as both came together to march for one huge cause: raising awareness for racial injustice. The organization garnered a group of over 300 to march to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and share powerful messages condemning racism and preaching camaraderie.
Unfortunately, star running back Leonard Fournette wasn’t able to attend as he was training from his home state of Louisiana, so the young running back decided to put together another protest for Tuesday with anyone welcomed to join. Fournette’s own protest successfully provided another great moment for the city, this time bringing together residents, the law enforcers of Jacksonville, and mayor Lenny Curry.
“This [battle for equality] is bigger than me, this is bigger than football,” Fournette said to those who gathered at the Jacksonville City Hall. “We’re going to continue coming together praying, coming together and doing what we have to do for our kids, the next generation.
“Black Lives Matter. Let’s keep fighting, y’all.”
Fournette’s protest is one of many that have occurred since George Floyd’s death, a case which sparked large-scale demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality across the entire world leading up to the arrest of four former Minneapolis officers involved in Floyd’s arrest: Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng, and Tou Thao. Chauvin was filmed with his knee on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes who repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe. Not long after, Floyd was pronounced dead.
Since the death of Floyd, systemic racism in America and issues with police brutality have been brought into renewed focus, with politicians, athletes and celebrities alike condemning racism and calling for change. Protests like the one Fournette held Tuesday and others that have taken place across the country over the past two weeks have garnered the nation’s attention. In fact, prior to Fournette’s protest, the city had a Confederate monument moved from Hemming Park after it was mentioned by receiver Chris Conley during the Jags’ march on Friday. Jacksonville residents had also been calling for action to have it and others around the city removed.
“This is one action,” Curry said to those who protested. “There is more work to come. Yesterday, there was a confederate monument in the park. It’s gone. And the others in the city will be removed as well.
“We hear your voices. We have heard your voice.”
With the help of an NFL franchise to provide a platform for players like Fournette to speak out against racism and the voices of local activists, Jacksonville has worked to take some of the necessary steps towards change. But, as players and residents alike have said, there is still a lot of work left to be done. If this week is any indication, players on the Jags’ roster like Fournette understand that, which means the fight will undoubtedly continue.