{"id":433960,"date":"2020-05-31T22:08:01","date_gmt":"2020-06-01T05:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=433960"},"modified":"2020-05-31T22:39:42","modified_gmt":"2020-06-01T05:39:42","slug":"cullen-jones-justice-is-action-but-through-peace-lia-neal-olivia-smoliga-deliver-powerful-messages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/cullen-jones-justice-is-action-but-through-peace-lia-neal-olivia-smoliga-deliver-powerful-messages\/","title":{"rendered":"Cullen Jones: ‘Justice Is Action … But Through Peace’; Lia Neal, Olivia Smoliga Deliver Powerful Messages"},"content":{"rendered":"

As many took to the streets to protest the treatment of minorities by police and society in the U.S. this weekend, many influential swimmers, led by Cullen Jones<\/strong> and Lia Neal<\/strong>, took to social media to voice their own concerns about race relations in the United States.<\/p>\n

These messages came from black swimmers, white swimmers, male swimmers, female swimmers, current swimmers, former swimmers \u2014 all spreading the voice of unity during these difficult times.<\/p>\n

Racism has been an issue in our country since it’s inception and continues to be. This weekend’s protests around the country were sparked by the death of George Floyd<\/strong> <\/a>at the hands \u2014 or under the knee \u2014 of a Minneapolis police officer.<\/p>\n

Many protests around the country were peaceful, but unfortunately, many were not.<\/p>\n

Swimmers took to social media to make sure that this is an issue that continues to be discussed. The tone of posts was one that kept the discussion going and spread awareness of what the problems are and what can be done about them.<\/p>\n

Olympian Cullen Jones<\/strong> has been one of the world’s most influential swimmers, who happens to be African-American. He has broken down barriers in the sport, inspiring a generation of young swimmers. He posted this on Instagram:<\/p>\n

“I have loved this country from the day I learned the star spangled banner, to the day I was blessed enough to stand atop the Olympic podium to recite it before the world. But enough is enough. For years I have kept my personal thoughts and convictions to myself. I must stand for what I believe in. As a Black man in America, I have dealt with my share of harassment. As a swimmer, I have always prided myself on breaking stereotypes and being a role model for others to do the same. But I cannot be quiet anymore.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
“As a new father, I am continually thinking about how to raise my Indian\/Black son, in this America. I don\u2019t want him to have to fear the people who are meant to protect. I don\u2019t want to have to teach him that it is his duty to linguistically disarm those same people by being calm and following directions so that the person with the gun feels more comfortable. Just because of the color of his skin.<\/p>\n
“For all creeds, religions, and backgrounds protesting, the hurt is real. But the way we achieve justice is yes action, but through peace, communication and most important, at the polls. I pray for the families who have lost loved ones at the hands of racism. Enough is enough we need to do better for the next generation.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
Cullen Jones’ full post:<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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A post shared by Cullen Jones OLY (@cullenjones)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n