publicDIVISION partnered with Mark Wilson and Niyan Oladipo (Jamaican National Team) to field a team of lacrosse ambassadors in the Chesapeake Cup (Open Division), September 28th -29th 2019. The collective voice was in support of more positive interactions and bridging the gaps to make us all better.
I was SO thankful that publicDIVISION supported the #endRACISM uniform concept in a time when it would be VERY easy to pass on contentious matters while building their brand. To be frank, there wasn't a well thought out mission or goal beyond the message of the phrase itself. However, as a Jamaican American with an equal love and pride for my dual heritage and my sport, putting #endRACISM on a lacrosse jersey seemed like the most natural thing to do. The overwhelming positive response to the uniform was literally therapeutic in a time where I personally have felt overwhelmed at times by what seems to be a waning in national public support for diversity and inclusion. I'm not naive to the fact that there must have been some that did not receive our concept well, but I feel something about the love of the game and the competition in the post collegiate club lacrosse tournament atmosphere funnels folks to the positive side of all things. For that reason, #endRACISM ultimately was an easy statement for us to make in that environment. Maybe the message here is that we should all challenge ourselves to openly share obvious positivity. Just like pD didn't hesitate to support the #endRACISM concept, most of the people we encountered gravitated to the light as well.
Mark L. Wilson
#endRACISM Is a socially responsible and self reflecting initiative. #endRACISM forces us to examine the very fabric that holds our belief system together. Are there biases, stereotypes and misinformation in how we live?
Why should you care? #endRACISM is a social requirement that will push our society forward helping us make the world a better place.
How? A rising tide lifts all boats. On a basic level #endRACISM offers new information and perspective in making decisions. On a grander scale, #endRACISM will grow our economy by supporting the community and businesses that offer products/services that create value, and jobs.
When? #endRACISM is now. Be open and welcome to the possibility that there is more. Slow down, think before you speak… or act. It will make a world of difference.