Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri believes the time for action against racist is now, following the murder of George Floyd.
In a column published by the Globe and Mail on Sunday, he said the continuous killing of black people means the conversation about racism can no longer be ignored.
Ujiri, therefore, called on leaders across the world to take a stand against racial abuse and discrimination against persons of colour.
“The conversations we are having now on racism and inequality are about topics that I think are often sidestepped. Yes, I admit it can be difficult, but it is a conversation we need to have with our children, our neighbours, our co-workers, our classmates, our community and our leaders,” he said.
“So many of you are asking: What can I do? There is a sense of helplessness, but that must not paralyze us. Your voice matters, especially when you are a leader or influential figure, and especially if you are white. Leaders have to be bold enough to state the obvious and call out racism.
“The conversation can no longer be avoided because it is hard. We have to have it. Now.”
George Floyd was murdered by a police officer who handcuffed him to the ground and pressed his knee on his (Floyd’s) neck for almost eight minutes.
In videos that have surfaced, the victim could be heard telling the officer that he was struggling to breathe.
The Policeman, however, did not listen to him, leading to the death of the 46-year-old after he suffocated.
Floyd’s killing sparked mass protests in Minnesota and other cities across the United States (US).
The protests turned chaotic and violent on Thursday, when some of the demonstrators decided to vandalize properties and loot shops.
Meanwhile, the hashtag “Justice for Floyd” has been trending on social media, as many seek justice for the victim.