Episode 51: The Momentum of Speak Up and Dribble

Dear Adam Silver

We all remember when Laura Ingraham told Lebron and KD to "Shut up and dribble." Her words, infused with racism and hate, were meant to keep two African-American men from speaking out on issues they care about, beyond their sport. The Speak Up and Dribble movement is a direct response to those racist comments as well as the ongoing protests against police brutality and in support of Black Lives Matter. The organizers gather children and adults to dribble basketballs through the streets and focus on the bounce of the ball as the heartbeat of those we have lost to systemic racism. I had the absolute pleasure to speak with the founders (six out of seven!) of this brilliant movement who have organized protests in their home city of San Francisco as well as offering support for similar happenings around the country.

Please follow these wonderful groups that are using basketball to create change and foster community @speakupdribble and @the.hooper.mentality