Harvard hears Green message
Socially conscious Warriors forward talks at Kennedy School about race issues, activism
“I wouldn’t say it’s worse than it’s ever been. This country has come a long way. With social media and all these different tools that we have, it’s noticeable as it’s ever been. So I thought it was important for me to use my voice.” — Warriors forward Draymond Green
CAMBRIDGE, MASS. >> The room was jammed with about 150 students who listened intently as Draymond Green spoke. With the Warriors in Boston to play the Celtics later that night, Green on Thursday appeared at the Harvard Kennedy School, fielding topical questions on sports activism and social-justice issues.
So it only seemed natural for Harvard Kennedy School assistant professor Leah Wright Rigueur to ask the 27-year-old Green if he has aspirations to run for political office.
“I can’t say I know enough about politics to run,” Green said.
A few students argued otherwise. They shouted, “You know more than (Donald) Trump!!!” Moments later, Green quipped, “People say athletes shouldn’t speak politics. Well, I find that funny, because everyone thinks they can speak basketball.”
And yet Green does not have aspirations to speak politics. He has aspirations on improving racial relations.
“I wouldn’t say it’s worse than it’s ever been. This country has come a long way,” Green said. “With social media and all these different tools that we have, it’s noticeable as it’s ever been. So I thought it was important for me to use my voice.”
On the court, Green has used his voice to motivate his teammates, intimidate opponents and express frustration with officials.
Off the court, Green has used his voice to help with various initiatives aimed to bridge the racial divide. Perhaps it should not be surprising, since Green said he and Warriors teammates Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala often talk in the locker room about social issues, politics and how to help their communities.
Green joined the advisory board of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) in 2015, shortly after Miami Dolphins owner and mentor Stephen Ross founded the nonprofit organization that improves race relations through sports.
Since then, Green has helped with joining conference calls and shooting public-service announcements. Green introduced RISE officials to his alma mater at Michigan State, which now has every scholarship athlete complete RISE’s curriculum.
In December 2016, and on the Martin Luther King holiday this year, Green wore custom-made Nike “Sideline Racism” shoes, which were later donated to local students.
“The extraordinary thing about Draymond Green is he is there whenever we call,” said Jocelyn Benson, the CEO of RISE. “Any time RISE needs his support, has a question or wants his advice, he has been there unequivocally to provide it, to offer feedback and to advocate on our behalf.
“That level of commitment from what we’ve experienced with professional athletes is quite extraordinary. He never asks for anything in return. He never asks for the coverage or any type of reciprocation.”
Instead, Green has received more coverage because of his actions.
On Oct. 26, Green was part of the community event the Warriors, NBA and RISE organized that included law enforcement, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and about 40-50 high-school-aged students from Oakland Unified School Districts and Oakland PAL.
There, Green, Warriors forward David West, Warriors assistant Jarron Collins and actor Daveed Diggs spoke with all parties about what can be done to build more trust, amid stories of law-enforcement shooting unarmed blacks in recent years.
“It was interesting to hear a 15-year-old’s perspective on what he thought of the police. It was interesting to me because I remember being that 15-year-old and thinking the exact same thing,” Green said.
“So I’m doing things like that to really try to bridge the gap and help the law enforcement understand where we’re coming from as citizens and trying to help us as citizens understand where they’re coming from as law enforcement and the dangers they face.” More initiatives await. RISE is currently collecting donations from fans for a chance to meet Green and attend the Warriors’ Christmas Day game against Cleveland at Oracle Arena, with all proceeds going toward their programs.
More events likely await this offseason. And Green will continue making the Warriors’ annual visit to San Quentin prison, where members of the organization play basketball against inmates. In past years, Green has often played dominoes with them, while learning about their life stories.
“We’re all one mistake away from being that guy,” Green said. “I also want to go in there and let them know, ‘I’m no better than you are.’ Maybe you made one mistake that I didn’t make that landed you here. Maybe I made some mistake and didn’t get caught. Who knows what the situation is? Maybe someone is wrongfully there. Maybe you shouldn’t be there. I don’t know what the situation is, but I’m letting them know you’re human and I’m human.”
Throughout Green’s hour-long discussion at Harvard Business School, the Warriors’ forward provided a human touch by answering any student’s question with thought and nuance.
Green defended former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial inequality. He said the Warriors would have talked with Trump about his divisive rhetoric had a White House visit happened.
Green explained why he recently argued the term “owner” should not be used in sports because of its racial connotations. Green praised NBA commissioner Adam Silver for issuing a lifetime ban three years ago to former Clippers owner Donald Sterling for making racially insensitive remarks.
“None of us can change anything,” Green said. “It’s always important to understand that. I can’ t change it. You can’t change it. Someone else can’t change it. But together, we can all make strides into changing it. If we all just do our part, then we’ll help spark change.”