To honour the life of Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by Louisville police in her home in March, the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm held a 26-second moment of silence ahead of the opening tipoff of the WNBA’s 2020 season.
The two teams also walked off the floor prior to the U.S. national anthem as part of the players’ efforts to shine a light on social justice issues.
“We are dedicating this season to Breonna Taylor, an outstanding EMT who was murdered over 130 days ago in her home. Breonna Taylor was dedicated and committed to uplifting everyone around her,” said the Liberty’s Layshia Clarendon prior to the moment of silence.
“We are also dedicating this season to ‘Say Her Name’ campaign, a campaign committed to saying the names and fighting for justice for Black women. Black women who are so often forgotten in this fight for justice who do not have people marching in the streets for them – we will say her name. Sandra Bland, Atatiana Jefferson, Dominique ‘Rem’mie’ Fells and Breonna Taylor.
We will be a voice for the voiceless.”
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