George Floyd death: Coco Gauff says ‘change must happen now’ in powerful speech amid US protests
American, 16, urged white listeners to speak out against racism at a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in Floriday
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Your support makes all the difference.Coco Gauff delivered a powerful speech in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida on Wednesday and said “change must happen now” following the killing of George Floyd.
The 16-year-old rising star of tennis, who has earned widespread praise for her vocal stance on social justice issues, took to the podium at a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest and urged white listeners to speak out against racism
On Wednesday, Gauff also responded to Roger Federer’s posting of a black square on his Instagram with a link to a database comprised of ways to effect change, including donations drives and petitions to sign – Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic all participated in the Blackout Tuesday protest, but were met with criticism by some for not writing their own messages of solidarity.
“I think it’s sad that I’m here protesting the same things that [my grandmother] did, 50 plus years ago,” Gauff said. “I’ve been spending all week having tough conversations, trying to educate my non-black friends about how they can help the movement.
“Second, we need to take action. Yes, we’re all out here protesting and I’m not of age to vote, but it is in your hands to vote for my future, for my brother’s future and for your future.
“Third, you need to use your voice. No matter how big or small your platform is, you need to use your voice. I saw a Dr [Martin Luther] King quote that said ‘the silence of the good people is worse than the brutality of the bad people’. So you need to not be silent, because if you are being silent you are choosing the side of the oppressor.”
Gauff also featured alongside the likes of Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Frances Tiafoe and Gael Monfils in a video with the slogan “Racquets Down, Hands Up” last weekend,
“This is not just about George Floyd. This is about Trayvon Martin. This is about Eric Garner. This is about Breonna Taylor. This is about stuff that’s been happening. I was eight years old when Trayvon Martin was killed,” she continued. “So why am I here at 16 still demanding change?
“It breaks my heart because I’m fighting for the future of my brothers. I’m fighting for the future of my future kids. I’m fighting for the future of my future grandchildren. So, we must change now and I promise to always use my platform to spread vital information and spread awareness.”
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