NBA player Jonathan Isaac addressed his claim to fame at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, recounting his controversial actions following the death of George Floyd.
Following the news of George Floyd’s death in 2020, many prominent celebrities including actors, singers, and athletes were pressured within their industry to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. At this time the Orland Magic, the NBA team Issac has been a member of, made the decision to kneel during the national anthem before their next game and wear BLM t-shirts. However, Issac informed his teammates that he would continue to stand during the anthem and would not wear a BLM t-shirt.
Issac explained that for him, wearing a t-shirt or kneeling was not a solution to the issues our country has been facing. Instead, he emphasized his reliance on Jesus Christ.
“I understand that racism is a heart issue and is also not the only issue that plagues our society. If there’s ever going to be real meaningful change between white, black people and different it is going to come by the gospel of Jesus Christ and us choosing to love our neighbor as ourselves," he said.
Acknowledging that his decision could impact his public image and career, Isaac consulted with his pastor and decided to stand for his faith. Despite potential backlash, many people supported him, and his jersey became the second-highest selling in the NBA “bubble,” with only LeBron James selling more.
Isaac has gone on to author the national bestseller “Why I Stand,” detailing his story and why he chose not to align with the Black Lives Matter movement. He has also launched Unite Us, a values-based sports and apparel company fostering a community around shared values despite differences in physical appearance. The company recently created the first NBA shoe featuring a Bible verse.
Following recounting his controversy, Issac’s message to AmFest attendees was a simple one: Make room. Conservatives and Christians should aim to be good representatives of the movement in order to reshape negative narratives that are promoted by those against us.
“Make room in this movement,” Issac asked. “Make room in this desire to save our country, for everybody, especially the people who do not look like you.”
This piece first appeared at TPUSA.
