There has been a lot of discussion today, Super Bowl Sunday, and speculation as to whether any of the African American players will take a knee in protest.  Some with whom I have spoken believe “politics” has no place in football.  I could not disagree more.  True change rarely takes root until people of prominence rise up and speak out.

The President himself has further fueled this by speaking out against taking a knee during the National Anthem, using a bully pulpit to further pummel African Americans.

You see?  It’s working already.  When you have the President of the United States on his heals, you are making progress.

I had this discussion with my mother recently.  She was upset by it because, in her words, “I just want to watch football, not see people protesting during the National Anthem.”  She was genuinely upset.  I was genuinely upset with her.  Here is why: Most people NEVER have the opportunity to have a platform great enough to draw attention to real issues in this country, such as very real police violence against African American males.  I’ve seen the videos of a cowardly officer shooting a man in the back, of unloading an entire clip on an African American in a car during a routine stop.  And the cop went free while a family needlessly lost their loved one.

If you have as great a voice as a well-known athlete, and you can draw attention to the violence, prejudice, the unnecessary incarceration and wholesale slaughter of African Americans in this country, use it.  Change only comes about when someone of prominent social stature stands up for what they know is right.  The rest of us are fighting a losing battle to the detriment of our society and way of life.

Related and Slightly Disturbing: Groundhog Day for a Black Man

We NEED people of stature to stand up, or take a knee at a football game.  We NEED another Martin Luther King Jr. to step up and take on a mantel of responsibility that might be too great for most.  But I believe these leaders exist.  If you want to lead, I will Rise up and follow.

To all of you who think you may have it in you, I beg of you, RISE.

To all of you (including me) who are concerned they have feet of clay, still RISE.

To all of you in the NFL who know that the fight against violence perpetrated by law enforcement officials is all too real, TAKE A KNEE.  We all have our way of protesting injustice.  It is the MOST American thing you can do.

And then, of course, once you take a knee, just like the knights of old, you RISE.