CINCINNATI — In a stand against racial injustice, Cincinnati Bengals players, coaches, ownership and staff marched from Paul Brown Stadium to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Saturday.
Team members recorded a video message posted to their website in front of the Freedom Center. Starting center Trey Hopkins and quarterback Joe Burrow spoke directly to the camera on behalf of the team.
“As this country continues to see instances of racial discrimination and injustices, it is time for us to act. Together, as a unified front, we must identify, address and ultimately end those practices and policies that would deny liberty and justice to all, regardless of race, religion, or creed. It is time for us all to take a stand,” Hopkins said.
Joe Burrow spoke during the second half of the video.
“It is each of our responsibility to effect change in our communities, not only for us but for those yet to come. We cannot turn a blind eye to the racism still experienced in this country. This is not an issue of politics but a fight for equality and life. If this nation is to ever reach the goals that it has promised its citizens, we must be catalysts for change,” Burrow said.
The team was taken on a tour of the Freedom Center after the speech. Freedom Center President Woodrow “Woody” Keown Jr. gave a presentation to the team.
