Workout for BLM

Brown Women’s Soccer is a team that is a product of diversity and our success is deeply tied to a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds. As a team, we are profoundly impacted and troubled by the actions that have led to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless individuals, both named and unnamed, subject to oppressive systems in America because their skin color has been criminalized.

Our team stands in solidarity with George Floyd and all others who have been subject to police brutality. We believe in the importance of the peaceful protests demanding justice because like so many across the world, we are affected, hurt, and outraged. We stand alongside those advocating for our voices to be heard, to be recognized as equals, and simply to be valued as human beings. Black people have the right to the same protections as every citizen and should not fear law enforcement. This is the reality we are fighting for.

As representatives of Brown University, we find it important to recognize that our institution was built on the backs of slaves. Without those black bodies, the Ivy League, seen as a prestigious network of schools, would not exist. Similarly, athletic programs on all levels have profited off the hard work and accomplishments of black individuals. The success of companies, leagues, and institutions has come at the cost of the exploitation of black bodies. Black athletes have time and time again defied expectations and set new standards, all while overcoming oppression and with little acknowledgment. This is why we must take a stand.

Black Lives Matter was started by three black women: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. Both female and queer bodies are often overshadowed and pushed to the background in the current fight for justice. As women, we believe in the importance of elevating these neglected voices. We will not tolerate gendered language as we fight for racial justice. Police violence is not exclusive to men. As much as we fight for George Floyd, we fight for Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, Sandra Bland, and Tony McDade. Black transgender individuals and black women should not come last. We will not come last.

This fight must continue. This is a movement, not a moment. Being silent is being complicit. We direct our family, friends, and fans to self educate with trustworthy resources and conversation. Everyone has a responsibility to take a stand against injustice. So we ask you, what side of history do you want to be on? All 32 members of our team have decided on the side of…

All Black members of Brown Women’s Soccer

All Black athletes in the Ivy League

All Black athletes

All Black families

All Black lives that have been lost at the hands of the system

All Black lives in the past, present, and future

HUMANITY.