Earlier in the week, the Detroit Lions released a prepared statement declaring Juneteenth a permanent organizational holiday.
“The Detroit Lions and Ford Field are establishing the observance of Juneteenth as a permanent organizational holiday and closing their offices Friday, June, 19th,” The Lions statement read. “Staff will be encouraged to use the day as an opportunity to reflect and further their awareness around racial inequality and social justice.”
Today, in addition to observing Juneteenth, the Lions used their social media platform to share video messages from former players as a way of “bringing awareness to social injustices in our world.”
You can watch all of the video’s in the tweets below:
Nate Burleson
"'Juneteenth' represents the strength and the power of the African American community." – @nateburleson pic.twitter.com/tL6cO6JXgW
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 19, 2020
Stephen Tulloch
"Let's hate less and love more." – @stephentulloch pic.twitter.com/4ldGD4adOQ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 19, 2020
Robert Porcher
"I am very hopeful we're on the road, now, to June 19 becoming a national holiday in this country." – Robert Porcher pic.twitter.com/lsvzXFNQGy
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 19, 2020
Dre Bly
"It's amazing to see people fighting for change!" – @drebly_32 pic.twitter.com/Ny0imgM0eO
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 19, 2020
Joique Bell
"Black Lives Matter. WE do matter." – @JoiqueBell pic.twitter.com/NHm369feB5
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 19, 2020
Andre Fluellen
"Just be nice to each other!" – @flu_dot_com pic.twitter.com/eGw7zkbbbl
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 19, 2020