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New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins spent the last six years playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the city still has an important place in his heart. Jenkins returned to Philadelphia for a peaceful protest on Saturday following the death of George Floyd, joining several of his former Eagles teammates in the crowd of demonstraters.
Jenkins was also given an opportunity to speak in front of the Philadelphia African American Museum, in which he continued to use his platform to advocate for police reform and condemn racial inequality:
“To the powers that be, I hope that we have your attention,” Jenkins said in a video captured at the event by FOX 29’s Alex Holley. “On this very day two years ago, I stood in front of my locker, facing a crowd of reporters. And as I peacefully protested, I held a sign that said ‘You aren’t listening.’ And at that time, the country had been willfully ignoring the cries of black communities as it has done for decades and centuries.”
Jenkins is a leading member of the NFL Players Coalition, a group including his new Saints teammate Demario Davis and retired tight end Benjamin Watson. He’s worked to raise awareness of issues in his community before, and played a big role in changing Drew Brees’ perspective on peaceful protests during the quarterback’s uncomfortable time in the spotlight last week.
With strength of character like Jenkins’ in the locker room, the Saints won’t be lacking for leadership once the 2020 season. Hopefully he’ll continue to thrive on and off the field for New Orleans as he’s done for the Eagles.
“To the powers that be, I hope that we have your attention…”
Malcolm Jenkins speaks to the crowd of protesters in front of the African American Museum in Philly: pic.twitter.com/XmaIXiyKEK
— Alex Holley (@AlexHolleyFOX29) June 6, 2020
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