Chris Paul Uses Media Availability to Discuss the Impact of C.T. Vivian and John Lewis

Saturday, I had the opportunity to ask Chris Paul the first question of his media availability. I wanted to know how he is balancing his duties as union president while focusing on getting ready for the restart of the season.

#CTVivian and #JohnLewis have journeyed on together.

Two great vessels for the work of justice, including for voting rights for Black people in America.

It’s not happenstance that, in this critical hour, with so much on the line in November, their lives are lifted high. pic.twitter.com/LsW7Ol0eXL
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 18, 2020

Here is his answer.

"Today is a sad day in that we lost two of the most powerful activists that we've ever had in

C.T. Vivian and John Lewis.

" ...."The impact that they had on America I think is unbelievable."..." And for me as a Black man, I think it's more important for me to do my job better as a parent."

"I think a lot of times people look at us athletes as heroes, what we can do as far as dunking a basketball or throwing a touchdown, but the things that they did as human beings." ... "John Lewis was one of the original

13 freedom riders

, was the youngest speaker at the

March on Washington

, did the walk from

Selma to Montgomery

, and all of these things I don't think we do enough learning and teaching about.

"

Powerful, articulate, and a better answer than the question deserved. Paul takes his role as a mentor and educator seriously.

Not only is he focused on being a better father for his children, but he is also setting an example for younger ger players to follow. Darius Bazley and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are the teammates getting the most quality time with Paul.

"A lot of times we talk about life, we talk about what's going on, and even though they're young guys in this league, they have a voice they're very recognizable."..."Shai being Canadian, he is going to be a star in this league, so just continuing to try and educate each other on everything that's going on around us, not just the game."

Paul is choosing to wear Equality on the back of his jersey when the season resumes, while Hamidou Diallo is going with Black Lives Matter.

59 years ago today I was released from Parchman Farm Penitentiary after being arrested in Jackson, MS for using a so-called "white" restroom during the Freedom Rides of 1961. pic.twitter.com/OUfgeaNDOm
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) July 7, 2020

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With more than 20 years of experience hosting local and national radio shows, Erik Gee is a fixture of Oklahoma sports media. He has covered the Oklahoma City Thunder for the past six seasons. He is also the co-host of the Pat Jones show on 97.1 The Sports Animal in Tulsa.

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