Kei Kamara, a US-based super striker joined protests earlier this week seeking justice. News that a white policeman unjustly killed a black-man angered many US nationalities. A lot of blacks filled streets in the cities of America demanding fairness.
The bereaved, popularly known as Floyd succumbed after a white policeman pinned him down. Since then, people have been protesting globally.
Kamara, who is a footballer of MLS club Colorado Rapids said when his kids joined in the demonstrations, he felt touched.
“I lay down on the ground for nine minutes and my son then just lay down next to me, without me even asking him, and Kendrick is only three,” Kamara, 35, told Newsday on the BBC World Service.
“He just decided to lay next to me. And I turned around and I saw him and it just hit me so hard, like ‘wow’.”
Kamara stated on social media that Floyd’s death had affected many people. Both the rich and poor, whites and blacks were all reacting. The impact of his death was far-reaching. Crowds in the streets were all protesting.
Kei said he has been facing challenges of racism throughout his career. Being a soccer player in America hasn’t been easy for him especially having to play for white majority football clubs.
Racism is something that Kamara and other black international players ignore. He extends his gratitude to the people from different races who have strongly stood by them during the protests. For it’s through the strong support that the authorities are recognizing their opinions.
Kamara says protesting was the right thing to do. Especially since most blacks in the US are facing discrimination. Since he has stayed in the country for long, he is now an American citizen.
Despite him marrying a white woman and gaining the nationality, some people still discriminate on their kids as blacks. They do not even see them as hybrid.
He anticipates that his kids will not face judgment most blacks face. He remains grateful to the people who fought to bring equality over the past years.
However, he respects the people who enabled the current changes in the country despite blacks still facing judgment.
Through the changes, Kamara says he was able to acquire American citizenship despite being an immigrant. Currently, he can explore the world and play soccer for different clubs. He enjoys fulfilling his dream.
He grew up in Los Angeles, where he witnessed firsthand racism.
“I wasn’t just African, I’m black. When they see you, if there’s any kind of trouble, you’re the first one. You go into stores, security, whatever, or we go into clubs, we need to be careful. In some places, they won’t even let you in.”
With looming normalcy, Kamara says they are preparing to resume training. However, they will forever remember the death of Floyd.
Meanwhile, as black American sportsmen, they plan on fully representing blacks especially since young blacks look up to them.
He hopes they will manage to concentrate and play. Even if it means doing it for Floyd and the young generations who depend on them as role models.
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