Michelle Obama has been focused on voter registration and getting people out to vote, particularly in light of the pandemic, heading into a presidential election in November. That’s been a focus of LeBron James as well, he formed a foundation working on the issue.
Sunday Michelle Obama is bringing her message directly to the NBA and WNBA players in bubbles in Florida. NBPA president Chris Paul made the announcement speaking to media members.
Got to ask @CP3 about how the @NBA and @WNBA will be moving forward as a collective. Said they will be meeting with @MichelleObama as a special guest today to discuss voting. pic.twitter.com/WLcnMNhBBX
— Morgann Mitchell (@THE_Morgann) July 26, 2020
“We’re going to talk about the importance of voting and making sure your voice is heard,” Paul said. “I think it’s very important we’re doing this together. Not just NBA players, not just the WNBA players, but we’re doing this together — and that way we can hear each other. We can share stories. Hearing women speak is powerful.”
NBA players have worked to keep social justice messaging front and center from the campus in Orlando, and Michelle Obama speaking fits right in with that. While names on jerseys and on the court, and discussing things such as justice for Breonna Taylor helps, players are also seeking concrete ways to make a difference in their communities and the nation. Voting — and getting people in the cities where they play and where they’re from to vote — is a critical way to do just that.