Efe Obada shares strong, inspirational message on social media

Jun 04, 2020 at 01:09 PM

Panthers defensive end Efe Obada posted a strong, inspirational message on social media Wednesday night, calling upon his experiences as an African "chasing the American dream" and challenging all of us to listen and learn.

See Obada's post below and read the full accompanying message:

View this post on Instagram

I am an immigrant born in Nigeria, raised in England and chasing the American dream. I am thankful to the Panthers for treating me everyday like I matter. Despite being an immigrant, or an African, or a black man. I walk into that facility everyday and I feel at home, I feel equal, I feel respected and most importantly I feel like I matter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The same cannot be said for our brothers and sisters out there in wider society. They are scared guys, they are tired and they are angry. George Floyd deserved to feel like he mattered, like his life had meaning. Instead he was killed by the very people that are there to serve and protect us. Let his legacy be one of unity and healing. Let this travesty bring about change and growth. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ This will provoke some uncomfortable conversations about race but we need to listen, show empathy and figure out ways to eradicate racism and hatred in our communities. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ Here are some ways we can all help and support: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1.Sign the #JusticeForFloyd petition. ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ 2.Donate to BLM or similar charities such as the Know your rights camp. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3.Exercise your right to peacefully protest. ⠀ 4.Keep listening and learning by having meaningful conversations with each other and sharing your experiences. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ 5. Keep challenging your biases and stereotypes. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ The fact that I even have this platform to speak to you is a privilege. I have been thinking about this long and hard and you guys are my friends and my family. It would be wrong of me to not come on here and ask you to stand up against racism and inequality with me. Stay safe, remember we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. My dm’s are open if anyone wants to start that conversation. Love to you all 💙🙏🏿 #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforahmaud #justiceforbreonna #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Efe Obada (@efeobadauk) on Jun 3, 2020 at 5:14pm PDT

"I am an immigrant born in Nigeria, raised in England and chasing the American dream. I am thankful to the Panthers for treating me everyday like I matter. Despite being an immigrant, or an African, or a black man. I walk into that facility everyday and I feel at home, I feel equal, I feel respected and most importantly I feel like I matter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The same cannot be said for our brothers and sisters out there in wider society. They are scared guys, they are tired and they are angry. George Floyd deserved to feel like he mattered, like his life had meaning. Instead he was killed by the very people that are there to serve and protect us. Let his legacy be one of unity and healing. Let this travesty bring about change and growth. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀

This will provoke some uncomfortable conversations about race but we need to listen, show empathy and figure out ways to eradicate racism and hatred in our communities.

Here are some ways we can all help and support:

Sign the #JusticeForFloyd petition.
Donate to BLM or similar charities such as the Know your rights camp.
Exercise your right to peacefully protest.
Keep listening and learning by having meaningful conversations with each other and sharing your experiences.
Keep challenging your biases and stereotypes.

The fact that I even have this platform to speak to you is a privilege. I have been thinking about this long and hard and you guys are my friends and my family. It would be wrong of me to not come on here and ask you to stand up against racism and inequality with me. Stay safe, remember we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. My dm's are open if anyone wants to start that conversation. Love to you all 💙🙏🏿 #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforahmaud #justiceforbreonna #blacklivesmatter"