The 2016 ESPY Awards night began with LeBron James leading fellow NBA superstars Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul in delivering an emphatic speech versus gun violence and racial profiling. Their message was clear: enough is enough, change must begin now.
Anthony was the first to speak, pointing out the ESPYs are supposed to be a moment of joy and celebration; however, they "cannot ignore the realities of the current state of America," he said in his speech quoted by Mail Online.
Paul, the nephew of a police officer, then recited the names of several high-profile victims of police violence. Wade followed by asserting that the racial profiling and "shoot-to-kill mentality" has to stop. He challenged his fellow athletes to be more active in their respective communities, even calling it necessary.
James ended the foursome's speech by calling on his fellow pro athletes to use their time, resources and influence in order to rebuild, strengthen and change their respective communities. "We all have to do better," he stressed.
James and his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, won several awards, mostly due to their recent NBA championship against the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN, James won awards for best male athlete, best NBA player and best championship performance in leading the Cavs to their first ever title. His Cavs meanwhile, were named the best team and won the award for best moment. James shared the stage with some of his fellow teammates in accepting the team awards.
A highlight of the evening was when a posthumous award was given to Zaevion Dobson, who won the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Dobson, who was a high school football player, was shot dead last year when he used his own body as a human shield in order to protect three girls from gunfire. His mother Zenobia received the award on his behalf and echoed James' call against gun violence.
"We as a country need to take a stand against the effects of gun violence on families throughout America," Zenobia stated. She then urged the athletes in the room to do what they can to prevent another innocent life from being lost.
Below is the opening speech in its entirety.