[ad_1]
Anthony Joshua has hit out at those who criticised a Black Lives Matter speech in which he encouraged people to stop spending money in ‘their’ shops and ‘invest in black-owned businesses’.
The heavyweight champion, 30, joined hundreds of protesters at a rally in Watford on Saturday, where he made an impassioned speech about the fight against racism.
Speaking to the crowd, he read an address written by his friend Reece Campbell, who was unable to attend Joshua’s hometown demonstration.
He said: ‘Today we join many thousands of protesters in the UK and many hundreds of thousands across the globe.
‘We stand united against the virus which has been instrumental in taking lives. A virus which is not apologetic, a virus that spreads across all sectors of our communities – sports, education, churches, entertainment, the media and the Government.
Anthony Joshua hits back at critics who claimed he is ‘racist’ following his speech in the park
Joshua responded to critics with an image of some text on Twitter on Sunday evening
‘Not just in the UK, but across the world. The virus has been declared a pandemic, this is out of control and I’m not talking about Covid-19. The virus I’m referring to is called racism.’
He went on to call for Britons to ‘speak out in peaceful demonstrations’, but to not ‘use these demonstrations for selfish motives and turn it into rioting and looting.’
‘How long are we going to allow racism to spread through our community and affect our lives without using the vaccine you already have in your possession? Me and you, you are the vaccine, I am the vaccine.
‘We can no longer, from today onwards, we can no longer sit back and remain silent on the senseless, unlawful killings, sly racism of another human being based only on what? Their skin colour.’
A snippet of the speech was taken out of context and uploaded to social media on Saturday, with some accusing Joshua of racism.
In the speech, he said: ‘We need to be united in non-violent demonstration, show them where it hurts.
‘Abstain from spending your money in their shops and economies, and invest in black-owned businesses.’
Responding to backlash on social media about the comment, Joshua said: ‘If you think I’m a racist, go f*** yourself!
The heavyweight champion read aloud a speech from a piece of paper during the protests
A snippet of the initial speech Joshua read was taken out of context on social media
‘If you watch the full video, the speech was passed around for someone to read and I took the lead.
‘I personally spoke from the heart about the Watford community, ideas of us personally investing seven figures to create unity and opportunities and adding change to the African/Caribbean community.
‘Shops aren’t the issue here. Before you talk s***, you better boycott racism.’
In an earlier statement, Joshua addressed other criticisms of appearing to disobey social distancing rules while attending the protests.
He said: ‘I understand the concerns in regards to social distancing.
‘However I hope those who are complaining about social distancing have the same energy about those gathering for a day at the beach [and] those going to the park for a picnic.’
Joshua attended the BLM protests following the death of African American George Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, United States.
Protests have occurred around the world following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis
Joshua joined hundreds of peaceful protestors on the march through his hometown
Joshua wore a hoodie with Black Lives Matter on the front in support of the movement
Police officer Derek Chauvin has since been charged with second degree murder after a video emerged showing him kneeling on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while he laid on the floor in handcuffs.
His death has sparked a series of sometimes violent protests across the United States and demonstrations around the world.
Joshua went on to explain that the death of Floyd was the catalyst for the protests.
‘But I know I’ve taken my street knowledge and put it into the corporate world and I’ve gained a lot of respect in that sense. So anyway, gang culture is done.
‘So, where was I. We have to engage with the youth and put an end to black youth gang culture. This postcode war – how many houses do we own on that postcode that we’re fighting for?
Joshua wore a leg brace and walked with crutches after sustaining a training injury
Hundreds turned out for the Black Lives Matter protest march in Watford on Saturday
‘Let’s inject the vaccine. Every life matters – 100 per cent I agree with that. But that does include black lives and that’s why we’re here today.
‘George Floyd – we’re all aware of his name – was the catalyst in a list that is already way, way, way too long.’
Joshua’s appearance on crutches also saw fans fear that the heavyweight boxer sustained a serious injury.
However, spokesperson for the 30-year-old confirmed to Sportsmail that his injury is not serious, saying: ‘Anthony felt a slight twinge in his knee whilst training.
‘The brace Is a precautionary measure on the advise of physios. It will be further checked by his doctors but there is no immediate concern.’
[ad_2]
Source link
Have something to say? Leave a comment: