Megan Rapinoe says she'll continue to take one knee during the U.S. national anthem because, as a person in a position of influence, she can "elevate the millions of voices being silenced."
The U.S. women's soccer star has been kneeling in support of a statement first made by Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, in objection to the police brutality that has seen the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the racial oppression evident across the country.
Despite doubts around Rapinoe's patriotism - like there have been over Kaepernick's actions, which have influenced similar acts of defiance across sports - she has no intention to stop the fight.
"I haven't experienced over-policing, racial profiling, police brutality, or the sight of a family member's body lying dead in the street," the midfielder wrote in The Players' Tribune. "But I cannot stand idly by while there are people in this country who have had to deal with that kind of heartache."
She added: "I feel in my heart it is right to continue to kneel during the national anthem, and I will do whatever I can to be part of the solution."
Rapinoe contests any notion that she's disrespecting the Stars and Stripes, and cites the "senseless violence" that continues to happen across the States as an indicator that freedom is not enjoyed by everyone in American society.
"But this is about more than just raising awareness," she continued. "I know that actions must be taken to help bring about real change. Right now, I am reaching out to community leaders, corporate partners, and leaders within the Black Lives Matter movement to figure out all the ways I can best support the efforts already in motion."
Rapinoe encouraged readers to educate themselves on the barbarities happening across the U.S. - not necessarily to join her fight, but at least to gain empathy for the plight of the disenfranchised.
"Having these kinds of conversations can be difficult and complex, but so what? We should talk to our family members and challenge them, bringing these hard problems to the dinner table and persevering through uncomfortable conversations," she stated. "This is not a 'them' problem - this is an 'us' problem.
"And, if you are in a position of influence like I am, you can use your platform to elevate the millions of voices being silenced, and support them in the tremendous work already being done."
Rapinoe signed off her piece: "I am choosing to do something. I am choosing to care."
%3BResize=620)
