Raptors reveal players’ jersey social justice messages

Toronto Raptors Matt Thomas discusses his decision to wear 'Black Lives Matter' proudly on his jersey in order to help the fight for justice and racial equality.

When the Toronto Raptors return to the court Saturday, they’ll be doing so in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

The team revealed its players’ choices for social justice jersey tags on Wednesday, and seven players — including Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Norm Powell — will bear the message “Black Lives Matter” on the back of their uniforms.

Stars Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol will sport the messages “Education Reform,” “Respectez Biso” and “Justice,” respectively.

“We are in a time where we need to keep that conversation going. We need to be heard from. We need to speak loud and clear,” Lowry said in a post on Twitter by the Raptors.

A full list of player messages can be seen below.

• Fred VanVleet: “Black Lives Matter.”
• Norm Powell: “Black Lives Matter.”
• Pascal Siakam: “Black Lives Matter.”
• Malcolm Miller: “Black Lives Matter.”
• Dewan Hernandez: “Black Lives Matter.”
• Matt Thomas: “Black Lives Matter.”
• Paul Watson Jr.: “Black Lives Matter.”
• Kyle Lowry: “Education Reform.”
• Serge Ibaka: “Respectez Biso.”
• Oshae Brissett: “Respect Us.”
• Terence Davis: “Speak Up.”
• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: “Speak Up.”
• OG Anunoby: “Say Their Names.”
• Patrick McCaw: “Say Their Names.”
• Marc Gasol: “Justice.”
• Chris Boucher: “See Us.”
• Stanley Johnson: “Equality.”

Powell previously expressed his disappointment with being unable to write “Am I next” on the back of his jersey. The NBA reportedly approved 29 social justice messages.

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