LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A group of 10 Los Angeles Dodger players spoke out against racial injustice in a video released today and committed to use their platforms to amplify the voices of Los Angeles social justice organizations.
“For centuries, the Black community has lived in a different America,'' pitcher Clayton Kershaw said. “Instead of addressing racism, inequality, and injustice, many of us simply look away.
“Silence is no longer an option. I'm fighting for my teammates, their families, and their communities.''
The other Dodgers speaking on the video were Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Kike Hernandez, Gavin Lux, Joc Pederson, A.J. Pollock, Ross Stripling, Justin Turner and Alex Wood.
The players will also match funds raised from the “In This Together'' special edition T-shirts benefiting the California Funders for Boys & Men of Color Southern California: Our Kids, Our Future Fund.
The Dodgers wore the “In This Together'' T-shirts during Thursday's workout at Dodger Stadium. The T-shirts are available for purchase at Dodgers.com/Together.
The group is a coalition of 13 organizations including the Brotherhood Crusade, Children's Defense Fund of California, Brothers, Sons, Selves Coalition and the Community Coalition.
Kershaw, Pederson, Stripling and Turner participated in a listening session this week with leaders of four of the organizations comprising the California Funders for Boys & Men of Color Southern California who shared the history of racial and social inequities in Los Angeles and how their respective organizations have been working for decades to seek change.
The players discussed how they want to use their platforms and resources to support the coalition's efforts and be allies for the Black community.
Additional sessions are planned.