LEWIS HAMILTON has urged people “not to sit in silence” in the fight against racism in an emotional Instagram post.
The British Formula One star has been left “overcome with rage” following the murder of George Floyd last week.
Lewis Hamilton is overcome with rage following actions across the part weekCredit: AFP or licensors
Minneapolis police offer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes after arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 note.
Floyd begged for his life stating that he couldn’t breath while another three other officers did nothing while watching it unfold.
His death has sparked huge riots across states in America with President Donald Trump deploying the military to try and bring the rising tensions under control.
But further anger has been spread worldwide after videos posted across social media showed heavy-handed police officers brutality disrupting peaceful protests with tear gas and paintballs.
Millions have taken to social media to show solidarity with those protesting while Hamilton criticised his Formula 1 colleagues for “staying silent” over the killing of Floyd.
Now he has followed it up with a lengthy statement to his 16.3million followers on Instagram.
Sharing an image of a clenched right fist – a symbol of the Black Power movement – his post read: “This past week has been so dark. I have failed to keep hold of my emotions.
I have felt so much anger, sadness and disbelief
Lewis Hamilton
“I have felt so much anger, sadness and disbelief in what my eyes have seen.
“I am completely overcome with rage at the sight of such blatant disregard for the lives of our people.
“The injustice that we are seeing our brothers and sisters face all over the world time and time again is disgusting, and MUST stop.
“So many people seem surprised, but to us unfortunately, it is not surprising.
“Those of us who are black, brown or in between, see it everyday and should not have to feel as though we were born guilty, don’t belong, or fear for our lives based on the colour of our skin.
“Will Smith said it best, racism is not getting worse, it’s being filmed. Only now that the world is so well equipped with cameras has this issue been able to come to light in such a big way.
“It is only when there are riots and screams for justice that the powers that be cave in and do something, but by then it is far too late and not enough has been done.
“It took hundreds of thousands of peoples complaints and buildings to burn before officials reacted and decided to arrest Derek Chauvin for murder, and that is sad.
“Unfortunately, America is not the only place where racism lives and we continue to fail as humans when we cannot stand up for what is right.
“Please do not sit in silence, no matter the colour of your skin. Black Lives Matter.”
Rodman calls for end to Floyd riots and says looting creates more problems
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
