Trae Young: It’s Important To Stick Together

Atlanta Hawks All-Star Trae Young returned to his hometown of Oklahoma to speak at a police brutality protest on Monday.

The United States is reeling from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. He was murdered by police officer Derek Chavin, who knelt on his neck for several minutes. 

The act of brutality resulted in protests in Minneapolis, and now other cities like the home of Young’s Hawks, Atlanta. The protests have resulted in looting, violence and further police brutality. 

Trae Young addressed a crowd in Norman, Oklahoma with a message of solidarity. 

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“I know this country’s in a messed up place right now,” Trae Young said. 

“And for me, I just think it’s important that we all stick together and we stand up for what’s right. It’s not just going to take just me. It’s not just going to take just you. It’s all of us coming together and doing this as a collective unit.”

Young, still just 21, has never previously been outspoken on social issues. It is a heavy mantle to take on, particularly for a black athlete. However, Young felt he had to speak his mind after the murder of George Floyd. 

“I’m not used to doing this,” he said.

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“I’m not very open about what I see or the things that go on in this world very often, but for me, even though I’m just 21 years old, I feel that it was necessary. This is bigger than me, and I feel like this is a big step in the right direction.

“I feel like justice will be served and changes will be made if we all come together,” he said. “This is us doing it. This is the first step.”