OKC Thunder captain Chris Paul spoke on the passing of C.T. Vivian and John Lewis
Saturday was a day of mourning as America reflected on losing two of the countries’ greatest leaders in reverend C.T. Vivian and representative John Lewis. That included people in the Disney bubble as OKC Thunder captain Chris Paul was clearly reflective upon learning the news of their passing.
Vivian died of natural causes at the age of 95. Lewis had been battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and died from complications due to the cancer, at the age of 80.
Throughout the country and around the world, news programs honored the accomplishments and lives of the two men.
At a time when social injustice is front and center, the loss of these men had many reflecting on their life’s work. Both men worked with Reverend Martin Luther King Jr on racial injustice in the 60s helping to instigate changes.
While Barack Obama was in office he bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Vivian in 2013 and Lewis in 2010.
Lewis dedicated his life to the civil rights movement and as a government representative in Congress. His efforts in civil rights included being the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington and taking a hit to the head in the first Freedom Ride. He was known to be someone in Congress who both sides of the house respected and who continued delivering MLK’s message of working to correct injustices via nonviolent actions.
Vivian also participated in the Freedom Rides and was a friend and confidant of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His life’s work included being an author and organizer in addition to his work as a minister. Among the civil rights organizations, he founded were Vision – the National Anti-Klan Network and the Center for Democratic Renewal
Chris Paul reflects on the deaths of Vivian and Lewis
Following their practice session on Saturday, OKC Thunder guard and captain Chris Paul spoke of Vivian and Lewis.
"And for me as a black man I think it's more important for me to do my job better as a parent. A lot of times people look at us athletes as heroes, what we can do as far as dunking a basketball or throwing a touchdown, but the things that they did as human beings..." (cont)
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 18, 2020
In addition to the above, Paul went on to discuss the impact of losing the two civil rights giants. Paul noted how important it is for increased teaching on the civil rights movement and on heroes such as Vivian and Lewis. The OKC Thunder posted an article outlining several quotes from the NBPA president and their team leader.
"John Lewis was one of the original 13 Freedom Riders, was the youngest speaker at the March on Washington, did the walk from Selma to Montgomery. And all of these things, I don’t think we do enough learning and teaching about.I know that’s a lot but that’s my truth. I think that’s more important than any of the stuff that’s going on down here ”"
Upon learning the news on Friday night, Paul sent out a message on his social media account as did many other players in the bubble.
The deaths of Lewis and Vivian come at a time when everyone is reflecting on social justice. As Paul said the work of the players in the bubble isn’t solely basketball-related as the players look to use their platforms to keep the focus on efforts to improve racial equity and social injustice.
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The NBA is working with the players and will continue to throughout the time in Orlando. Black Lives Matter will be featured at center court and on the sidelines of the hardwood. In addition, players can select from 29 different messages they can put on the back of their jerseys. CP3 selected ‘Equality’ while many players have chosen “Black Lives Matter’.
Some players have spoken out regarding the limited messages they can select from wishing they could have more autonomy in their choices. LeBron James, Mike Scott, Jaylen Brown, and Norman Powell are just a few who have spoken about the limitations.
With his ongoing duties as president of the NBPA, Paul will continue to spend his time in the bubble wearing different hats trying to help the OKC Thunder, address the needs of the players and also do his best to stay in contact with his family as a father to Chris Jr. and Camryn and husband to Jada.