Memphis Grizzlies' Justise Winslow's Social Awareness Served As A Wake-Up Call For Himself And Hopefully For Others

Justise Winslow has yet to make his debut for the Memphis Grizzlies, since being acquired at the trade deadline, so fans are not sure how he will perform for the team. But in a recent interview with Caron Butler for NBA.com, fans witnessed his drive and passion for the social equality of all African-Americans.

Justise Winslow has yet to make his debut for the Memphis Grizzlies, since being acquired at the trade deadline, so fans are not sure how he will perform for the team. But in a recent interview with Caron Butler for NBA.com, fans witnessed his drive and passion for the social equality of all African-Americans.

"I've always been aware of it," said Winslow, "but I think for me I've been kind of, well I wouldn't say blinded by it, but becoming an NBA player, you get a little more freedom than the average Black man," said Winslow, "but this definitely has brought me back and now I'm fully aware of what it means to be black."

Don't miss Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) discuss racial oppression, systemic racism, and police brutality now with Justise Winslow (@IAmJustise) of the @memgrizz. #Juneteenthhttps://t.co/EddrmWjFDV

— NBA (@NBA) June 19, 2020

 Winslow would discuss how he has celebrity privileges, but innate disadvantages being a black man in America.

During the global pandemic, there was an unjust killing of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd. Winslow stated that this incident crippled his ability to push forward with his training to get ready to get back on the court, it left him feeling helpless but determined to do more for his own community.

"If we want to make change, we have to know our history, where we come from, our culture, our heritage," said Winslow.  

Winslow took it a step further and began to encourage all of his fans to vote. Although he acknowledged voter's oppression, Winslow combatted it by saying, "We can't let it stop us." 

There are infinite amounts of reasons for African-Americans to discontinue fighting for equality in this country, but we all have to take Winslow's advice, and we can not allow our obstacles to deter our goal.

- Have you signed up for the AllGrizzlies Community Board? We are trying to create a new place to share posts and have intriguing and fun conversations about all things related to the Memphis Grizzlies! Once you sign up, feel free to post as you like. It is actually the best way to interact with me going forward as well. We will also be looking for group admins as well. See you soon and Go Grizz!

--We also want to know your opinion on the NBA trying to resume play. Do you think that the “bubble campus idea will work? Do you think it will be safe? Will it be worth the risk? Is it a distraction to the progress that has been made by all of the recent protests? Post as many things as you can as well as your viewpoint on anything else that's going on with the NBA or the Grizzlies right now!--

- Anthony Sain - Memphis Grizzlies Beat Writer and Lead Editor For Sports Illustrated's All Grizzlies.com

Follow Us On Twitter: @AllGrizzlies @SainAsylum

Follow Our New Social Media Manager and Community Initiative Reporter

Carmen Darden - @charm_carm_GRZ

Turn on the notifications on @AllGrizzlies to get updates on when all of our articles are posted.

Like Us On Facebook: Search: AllGrizzlies or Sports Illustrated Grizzlies.