Raptors Star Adopts New Name, Rejects American Society
Feb 5, 2022 13:41:58 GMT -5
Herby New Year! likes this
Post by delap on Feb 5, 2022 13:41:58 GMT -5
June 3rd, 3020 -
Following the Raptors disappointing loss (in large part due to the thug tactics of the Cougars) in the 2nd round of the playoffs, the team hosted exit interviews and the final media availability of the season. With an exciting off-season and a team full of promise, the interviews were largely optimistic and simultaneously not noteworthy at all.
One important announcement, though, came from the star center and 2nd year stud, the (now) former Lew Alcindor. He had this to say:
"I attended Catholic elementary school and Sunday Mass, but the sound of Irish Catholic kids calling me the n-word was a factor in me turning away from that church. One question that bothered me was how so many people could claim to be devout Christians, yet still justify the brutality they committed against black people. Instead I reject the religion that is foreign to my black African culture and embracing one that is part of my racial heritage as an African. I have found solace in Islam. The adoption of a new name is an extension of my rejection of all things in my life that related to the enslavement of my family and people. Alcindor was a French planter in the West Indies who owned my ancestors. My forebears were Yoruba people, from present-day Nigeria. Keeping the name of my family’s slave master seems somehow to dishonor them. His name feels like a branded scar of shame. So, from this point forth, as I move forward in my faith I wish to declare my devotion and express my feelings, in part, through my name. Please refer to me as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, meaning 'noble one, servant of the Almighty.' I'm grateful to the Raptors organization and the nation of Canada for supporting me in this endeavor and covering the costs for printing new jerseys and marketing. Don't forget to get your new merch before the season starts in November!"
Abdul-Jabbar will continue to wear #33 for the Purple, Red, and Black next year and has pledged to bring a heightened focus to his turnover issues and has proudly declared that he will continue as the league leader in blocked shots.
