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Notre Dame Football

Notre Dame DE Daelin Hayes Releases Statement

June 1, 2020
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On Monday evening, Notre Dame defensive end Daelin Hayes released a statement on the current events going on across the country. 

Hayes’ statement: 

Fear. That was the only emotion I felt when I first saw yet another viral video of an African American citizen being senselessly murdered in broad daylight. Fear that when people see me, they don’t see someone’s son, someone’s brother, someone’s teammate... they see a threat. I am stripped of my identity, and instead reduced down to the color of my skin.

To know that our lives can simply be taken away due to another person’s prejudice, bias, ignorance and cruelty with no serious or lasting repercussions are why I, along with millions of minorities across the country, feel an overwhelming sense of fear, anger and disgust.

Not only do we fear for our own lives, but we fear for the lives of our families, our friends, our teammates, our coaches, etc. Because at the end of the day, when the world looks at us it sees a threat, a thug, a person of lesser value.

But now is no longer the time for fear, but rather a time for action. A time to stand up and speak our truths to those who have not cared to listen. To boldly position ourselves with our heads held high and declare ENOUGH!

To those who do not share this experience, to those who’s reality isn’t plagued with prejudice, violence and oppression...it is your responsibility not to turn a blind eye to this issue. It is your responsibility to amplify the voices of your fellow Americans who’s own voices have been oppressed for centuries. To our non People Of Color, it is time to acknowledge, educate and most importantly act. Acknowledge both your privilege and that racism is STILL a prevalent issue in this country.

Educate yourself about the numerous ways racism manifests itself into the everyday lives of African Americans. And finally TAKE ACTION! Ignorance is no longer an excuse. To my brothers and sisters: this shared oppressive experience of being Black in America has both strengthened and united us. Although nothing can make up for the unspeakable murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, we must continue to honor their lives by ensuring that they serve as a permanent catalyst for change.

Rest in heaven Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd ❤️ With love,
Daelin Hayes☘️

http://instagr.am/p/CA6dX4Zj9J5?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 
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