►
Description
In order for us to understand each other, we need to start with a conversation. Mayor Walsh joins former players and current executives from the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Revolution, at Fenway Park for "Take the Lead," a conversation about race, diversity and inclusion in our professional sports teams' respective venues and in our community.
A
A
A
B
Welcome
to
Fenway
Park.
My
name
is
Sam
Kennedy
I'm,
the
president
and
CEO
of
the
Boston
Red
Sox,
and
on
behalf
of
John
Henry
Tom
Werner
and
our
entire
Red
Sox
organization.
It
is
my
privilege
and
my
honor
to
welcome
each
and
every
one
of
you
to
Fenway
I
have
a
special
welcome
for
two
people
sitting
right
there,
nearly
in
the
front
row
you're
behind
the
mayor,
which
is
where
you
should
be
Tom
and
Joanna
Kennedy,
my
parents.
Thank
you
very
much
for
being
here
today.
B
B
B
B
During
that
initial
discussion,
Tanisha
aptly
pointed
out
that
these
incidents
tend
to
fade
away
as
quickly
as
they
flare
up.
That's
why
we
are
all
here
today
to
help
build
something
meaningful
and
lasting
in
early
June.
Our
dialogue
began
in
earnest
with
the
other
Boston
area
sports
teams,
because
these
issues
obviously
affect
all
of
us.
B
So
thank
you
to
the
Jacobs
family,
the
Kraft
family,
to
wit,
Groesbeck,
and
to
Steve
pal
Yuka
for
sharing
this
vision
and
forging
this
partnership.
On
a
personal
note,
I
have
been
a
die-hard
Boston
sports
fan
my
entire
life.
So
it
is
an
honor
to
be
here
today
with
Don
Sweeney,
Andre,
tippet,
Cedric
Maxwell
and
the
great
Tommy
Harper.
B
B
B
Reverend
Walker
has
enjoyed
a
21
career
year
career
on
WBZ
as
Boston's.
First
african-american
television
news
anchor.
She
then
spent
another
11
years
as
a
humanitarian
in
East
Africa
before
answering
her
call
to
the
ministry.
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
please
welcome
pastor
of
the
Roxbury
Presbyterian
Church
Reverend
Liz
Walker.
C
Racism
is
a
wound
that
runs
deep.
It
is
the
root
of
generations
of
distrust
and
defensiveness
and
misunderstanding,
and
whether
we
admit
it
or
not,
we
all
bear
its
power
and
its
pain.
I
grew
up
in
Little,
Rock
Arkansas
during
the
birth
of
the
civil
rights
movement
and
school
desegregation
and
I
will
never
forget
that
morning.
In
my
seventh
grade
math
class,
when
a
young
good-looking
white
boy
came
up
called
me
a
name
and
kicked
me,
it's
been
more
than
50
years.
C
C
C
C
Any
idiot
can
bully
divided
and
polarize
us
to
return
hate
with
hate,
or
it
takes
somebody
special
to
try
to
reach
across
the
breach,
and
we
can
talk
and
listen,
really
listen
to
each
other.
That
takes
much
more
work.
It
involves
great
risk,
but
with
compassion
and
empathy
and
yes
with
love
that
can
make
a
difference.
So
today
is
important.
We
thank
you
for
being
here.
C
The
first
step
in
this
conversation
is
to
show
up,
and
you
have
done
that
today,
as
Sam
mentioned
began
with
an
with
an
idea,
and
he's
already
mentioned
the
two
women
to
community
leaders
who
made
that
idea.
Work
who
made
this
day
happen,
but
I
just
want
to
speak
for
the
community
in
thinking
then
double
AC
P
is
the
oldest
civil
rights
organization
in
this
country.
It
is
committed
to
the
elimination
of
racism
in
all
facets
of
our
society.
So
I
just
want
to
take
one
more
moment
to
thank
Boston
branch.
President
Tanisha
Sullivan.
C
Help
to
make
this
happen,
while
today
we're
focusing
on
professional
sports,
the
implication
of
race
affects
every
sector
and
often
is
embedded
in
its
structures.
The
Massachusetts
legislature
must
take
the
lead
in
helping
to
change
structures
and
systems,
and
one
of
the
strongest
voices
state
senator
Linda
Dorsey,
no
boring
I
just
want
to
thank
my
sister's.
C
You
will
hear
from
both
of
them
in
a
moment
taking
the
lead
to
change
the
way
we
look
at
and
talk
about,
race
requires
the
involvement
of
all
of
us,
the
Bruins,
the
Celtics,
the
Patriots,
the
Red,
Sox
and
Revolution
are
working
together
to
take
the
lead
in
their
own
way
because,
as
David
Ortiz
proclaimed
on
the
field
here
this
is
our
city.
We
are
proud
of
Boston
and
together
we
can
make
it
stronger
and
we
can
make
it
better.
C
I
am
honored
to
be
a
part
of
the
launch
of
this
mission,
and
we
are
deeply
grateful
that
many
of
our
political
and
community
leaders
are
here
to
offer
their
support.
I
just
want
to
mention
that
we
have
the
mass
black
and
Latino
caucus.
We
have
former
educators
and
we
have
Sheriff
Stephen
Thompkins.
Here
with
us
today,
and
we
thank
you.
C
D
Hey
everybody
Massachusetts
governor
Charlie,
Baker
here
and
I'm.
Sorry,
I
can't
be
there
with
you
today.
My
schedule
precludes
my
attendance,
but
our
team
is
proud
to
be
part
of
the
teams.
You're
gonna
hear
from
later
on,
who
are
part
of
taking
the
lead
here
in
the
Commonwealth
Massachusetts
is
proud
to
be
home
to
an
inclusive,
multicultural,
welcoming
and
global
community.
D
Unfortunately,
in
recent
months,
disturbing
and
intolerable
demonstrations
of
racism
and
bigotry
have
challenged
our
communities,
our
state
and
our
nation,
but
the
actions
of
a
few
are
not
who
we
are
as
a
Commonwealth
in
the
face
of
discrimination,
prejudice
and
hatred.
It's
incumbent
upon
us
all
to
stand
up
and
passionately,
reject
and
denounce
intolerance
in
any
form.
I
want
to
applaud
our
local
professional
sports
teams,
the
Red
Sox
Bruins,
Celtics,
Patriots
and
revolution
for
coming
together
to
address
this
important
issue
and
United
to
take
the
lead,
I
hope.
D
The
work
that
you
will
hear
about
at
today's
events
will
inspire
you
to
do
the
same
and
encourage
others
as
well.
This
is
our
chance
as
a
Commonwealth
to
collectively
take
the
lead
and
denounce
any
encounter
with
racism,
hatred
or
intolerance.
Together,
we
can
and
will
showcase
Massachusetts
ability
to
lead
the
world
as
a
place
where
all
are
welcome.
I
hope
you
all
have
a
great
day
and
I
hope
that
this
is
the
start
of
something
really
big.
E
Thank
You
Liz,
and
it's
great
to
be
here
and
I,
want
to
thank
you,
Liz
Walker,
for
for
the
great
things
that
you
have
done
for
our
city.
I
want
to
thank
everyone
for
turning
out
today.
I'm
gonna
give
a
couple
tank
using
I'll
get
into
my
remarks.
I
want
to
thank
Commissioner.
Evans
is
here
with
us
as
well:
Thank
You,
Commissioner
Evans.
E
What
you
do
I
know:
Sheriff
Thompson's
got
a
shout
out,
but
I
had
to
give
him
another
shout
out
for
the
great
work
he's
doing
on
City
Thank
You
sheriff
Tompkins
for
the
great
work,
you're
doing
I,
think
sin
I
think
I
saw
Senate
strong
attendees
here,
I
think
Thank
You
senator.
Where
are
you
Thank,
You
Santa,
for
being
here
with
us
today,
as
well
for
the
great
work
you've
done
and
state
sent
a
state
representative
Russell
Holmes,
another
another
champion
of
working
in
our
communities?
Thank
you
very
much
for
the
great
work
you
do.
E
I'm
gonna
get
to
you
guys
in
a
minute
in
the
front
row
there
I
want
to
thank
Liz.
Walker
I
want
to
thank
Steve
Burton
for
being
here
today
and
being
on
moderators.
We
can't
find
two
better
people.
Thank
you
very
much
for
what
you've
done
and
let's
just
stop
Steve
down
the
seams
down
the
runway.
There
Sam
Kennedy
in
the
Boston
Red
Sox.
Thank
you
for
hosting
us
today,
I'm
glad
you
brought
your
mom
and
dad
here.
At
least
you
brought
them
to
something
here.
E
Thank
you
see
him
for
hosting
us
and
I
want
to
I
want
to
give
a
shout
out
to
our
teams
in
Boston
when
when,
when
Tanisha
and
Linda
reached
out,
we
spoke,
we
talked
about
coming
here
and
we
said:
do
you
think
we
can
get
all
the
teams
here
and
like
they'll
all
be
here,
because
they're,
incredible
people
and
and
Tanisha
and
Linda
have
done
an
incredible
job
rallying
this
conversation
and
to
think
about
my
conversation
with
Tanisha
was
how
can
we
do
something?
Impactful,
that's
not
just
like
a
one-time
hit.
E
How
do
we
do
something
like?
Oh
we're
gonna?
Do
it
now
that
we
all
feel
good
about
each
other
and
then
we
kind
of
forget
and
then
later
on
down
the
road
we're
like
okay,
what
happened
with
that
and
the
impact
today
really
between
these
two
women
driving
driving
driving
this
car
and
all
of
our
families
from
the
sports
and
on
sports
teams
are
literally
families.
Thank
you
very
much.
Bruins
Red
Sox
Patriots
Celtics
revolution.
Thank
you
for
you
do
for
our
city
every
single
day.
Thank
you
for
being
here
today
in
this
important
conversation.
E
E
So
this
message
in
Boston
Massachusetts
is
gonna,
go
right
around
the
United
States
and
right
around
the
world.
So
again,
thank
you
for
that.
Boston
is
certainly
a
city
for
all
of
us
and
means
for
every
child.
Every
adult
every
race
should
feel
at
home
and
feel
part
of
our
city.
A
Boston
must
be
feel
dedicated
to
ending
racism
wherever
it
appears
in
attitudes
and
in
comments
and
in
systems
and
in
opportunities.
E
The
national
conversation
has
been
ugly
at
times
some
voices
in
Washington
on
helping
us
at
the
least,
but
there's
no
reason
why
we
should
shy
away
from
the
conversation
of
race.
Our
role
here
in
Boston
should
be
to
take
the
lead.
The
guide
to
that
conversation
in
the
direction
of
justice
and
in
healing
our
city
began
four
years
ago
when
I
became
mayor
and
talking
about
citywide
dialogues
on
race.
That
was
one
piece
of
the
conversation
and
one
piece
of
the
puzzle.
E
It's
why
our
police
strategy
is
built
on
building
with
community
and
reaching
out
to
our
communities.
I
see
some
Giants
who
have
been
fighting
for
civil
rights
in
the
legislature,
representatives,
a
fireman
rushing
who
been
there
through
ups
and
downs,
and
thank
you
Byron
for
what
you've
done
in
our
city.
E
We
need
to
continue
these
conversations
without
police
department
without
fire
department,
with
our
ems,
without
public
safety
officials.
All
over
the
conversation
isn't
just
about
incident.
That
happened
at
Fenway
Park,
it's
about
what's
happening
in
our
city
every
single
day.
The
decision
to
make
the
build
the
memorial
too
dark,
Lamont
Luther
King,
is
one
of
a
lesson
in
progress
that
just
didn't
happen
by
itself.
We're
not
building
a
statue,
we're
beginning
a
conversation
and
dialogue
about
the
words
that
he
said
and
what
he
meant.
His
words
are
more
true
today
than
they
were.
E
Sports
is
perfectly
designed
to
expression,
shared
commitment,
that's
why
what
we're
doing
today
is
so
powerful
and
what
the
sports
teams
are
doing
today
is
so
powerful.
Think
of
the
impact
that
Jackie
Robinson
had
think
of
the
impact
that
Bill
Russell
had
as
a
player
and
now
is
still
having
and
by
the
way,
Bill
Russell
is
the
only
statue
on
City
Hall,
plaza
right
now
and
think
about
that
evolution
in
progress.
E
E
It's
a
matter
of
pride.
Racism
violates
our
core
values
as
a
city.
We
certainly
reject
it
when
we
do
that,
we
strengthen
our
collective
resolve
and
to
end
systemic
racism
to
share
the
opportunity
more
equally
and
to
put
Boston
first
for
all.
I
want
to
thank
for
being
here
today
and
I.
Do
want
to
do
a
special
thank
you,
because
I've
had
the
chance
to
get
to
know
her
now
over
the
last
six
months,
little
longer
than
that,
but
Tanisha
Sullivan
to
myself
and
would
work
at
Linder
and
other
folks.
We've
talked
about.
E
C
Thank
You
mr.
mayor,
it
is
now
my
privilege
to
welcome
to
the
stage
wbz-tv
sports
director
Steve
Burton,
who
will
moderate
today's
panel
discussions
with
alumni
and
executives
from
the
teams.
Steve
and
I
are
former
colleagues
we
go
way
back.
He
has
deep
roots
in
sports.
Of
course,
his
father
Ron
Burton
senior
was
the
first
draft
pick
of
the
New
England
Patriots.
C
In
their
inaugural
year,
1960
Steve,
who
played
quarterback
at
Northwestern
University,
returned
home
to
become
the
first
african-american
broadcaster
at
Nessun
in
1988
before
moving
six
years
later
to
WBZ
continuing
the
family
tradition
of
sports
excellence.
Steve's
son
Austin
is
a
freshman
quarterback
at
UCLA.
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
welcome
Steve,
Burke.
F
Thank
You
Liz
and
the
mirror
nailed
it.
The
mayor
nailed
it
it's
time
that
we
come
together,
it's
time
that
we
really
take
the
lead
and
come
together
and
Liz
talked
about
it
doing
it
with
love
and
I'm
honored
to
be
up
here
on
stage
with
some
men
I'm
going
to
call
up
here
who
are
willing
to
share
their
experience
to
look
back
on
their
times
to
make
a
difference
in
fighting
racism,
and
we
can
do
it
together.
We
can
definitely
do
it
together.
I
want
to
call
up
on
stage,
please
welcome.
F
F
F
G
It
because
I'm
from
the
south
and
I
thought
that
Atlanta
was
picky
right
after
the
suburbs,
so
I
thought
it
was
a
great
opportunity
to
stay
down
south.
When
the
Celtics
picked
me,
it
was
I
got
up
here
and
tried
to
understand.
You
know
the
culture
of
Boston.
I
didn't
see
a
lot
of
people
like
me
for
a
while
until
I.
You
know
somebody
took
me
to
Roxbury
and
them
I
was
like
man,
poor,
Chester
yeah,
so
I
went
there,
so
it
was.
G
G
Seen
a
big
change,
I've
seen
a
great
change
in
the
way
people
of
view,
I've
seen
a
great
change
in
the
way
people
respect
each
other,
yeah
and
I've
just
seen
a
general-purpose,
you
look
at
the
Boston
Celtics
more
than
any
other
team.
You
know
this
is
the
team
that
had
the
first
black
player,
Chuck
Cooper
was
the
first
black
player.
The
first
black
head
coach
was
Bill
Russell
at
first
starting
five
on
any
team
right
now
that
was
the
Boston
Celtics
with
bill
Russell's
team.
F
H
H
H
That
label
followed
me
from
Milwaukee
when
I
spoke
out
against
a
racist
practice
of
the
Brewers
and
that
label
followed
me
right
to
Boston,
so
that
label
being
an
agitator
spell
the
worst
kind
of
trouble
for
any
African
American
player.
So
when
I
came
here
as
said
to
point
it
out
at
first
I
didn't
like
it
didn't
like
didn't
like
it
at
all
and
the
when
I,
when
I
would
always
a
when
people
approached
me
during
the
years
and
a
lot
of
those
people
told
me
about
their
experiences
would
come
into
Fenway
Park.
H
F
H
Now
that
the
situation
with
the
Elks
Club,
where
a
person
from
the
Elks
Club
would
come
into
the
locker
room,
the
Red
Sox
locker
room
and
distribute
else
Club
passes
to
the
white
players
and
white
staff
only
and
when
I
asked
Reggie,
Smith
I
didn't
know
anything
about
it
because
I'm
new.
So
when
I
asked
Reggie
Smith
about
whenever
somebody
in
baseball
I
want
you
to
see
something,
they
put
it
in
your
locker,
they
put
it
right
above
your
lock
and
stick
it
in
I
said
what
Reggie?
H
F
I
Looked
a
little
out
of
character,
but
then,
when
I
really
thought
about
what
was
going
on
brought
me
back
to,
we
live
in
a
democratic
society,
free
speech,
free
religion
as
long
as
you're,
not
hurting
anyone
we're
free
to
practice
and
do
anything
that
we
want
as
long
as
we're
not
hurting
anyone
and
the
fact
that
we
did
do
it
as
a
team,
lock,
arms
took
me
as
cliche
as
it
sounds.
We
were
doing
it
as
a
patriotic
community
and
I
was
proud
to
see
the
players
doing.
F
J
I
was
drafted
in
1982
by
the
Bruins
and
in
those
days
that
the
NHL
was
predominantly
Canada.
All
Canadians
with
the
you
know,
Bobbie
carpenter
in
1981
was
the
third
pick
up
for.
Excuse
me,
the
first
pick
overall
by
the
Capitals,
no
he's
the
third
pick,
but
Bobbie
and
I
played
against
each
other
growing
up
and
he
really
paved
the
way
for
a
lot
of
Americans
coming
out
as
far
as
being
accepted
into
the
NHL,
because
a
lot
of
us
were
late,
I
went
to
Boston
College,
we
were
labeled
as
the
tall.
J
Thank
you
thank
you.
We're
labeled
at
the
college,
kids
that
maybe
we
weren't
tough
enough.
You
know
the
Western
Canadian
kids
were
you
know
they?
They
can
grind
it
out
over
an
80
game
series,
but
I
think
we
proved
them
wrong
and
now
it's
great
to
see
so
many
Americans
in
the
NHL,
so
many
college,
kids
and
going
to
college
and
then
eventually
making
the
jump
to
the
NHL.
It.
F
J
People
I'd
love
to
see
the
best
players,
whether
you
know
they're,
african-american
Asian.
To
me,
you
know,
I
think
when
the
Bruins
had
a
first-round
pick
a
few
years
ago
we
chose
Malcolm
Sudan,
it
didn't
matter
if
he
was
african-american
at
that
time.
We
thought
he
was
the
best
prospect
and
that's
why
we
took
Malcolm,
Sudan
and
I.
Think
that's
how
every
other
team
in
the
league
feels
when
we
talked
earlier
Steve.
J
There
in
training
camp
still,
so
he
still
has
to
make
the
team
but
I,
think
I
think
he
enjoys
Joyce's
time
here
in
Boston
and
Providence
I
think
he's
very
well
accepted,
but,
as
we
talked
about
earlier,
I
was
fortunate
to
play
with
one
of
the
greatest
goalies
all-time
Grant
Fuhr
when
I
was
in
Buffalo,
grant
I
sat
right
next
to
him.
I've.
F
G
Well,
you
know
here's
the
thing:
I,
don't
I!
Don't
think
that
you
can
fully
appreciate
that
word
being
said
unless
you're
black
and
if
you
hear
it
that
way
and
the
crowd
of
people
I,
think
that
you
know
sometimes
when
you
are
you're
out
there
and
before
I,
go
any
further,
see
I,
wonder
I
want
to
stop
one
one
second
and
thank
Liz
Walker
Liz!
You
have
been
my
hero:
okay
for
a
long
time
as
a
broadcaster
being
black
in
this
city,
I've
learned
so
much
from
you
and
watching
you
just
being
the
professional.
G
G
You
would
have
a
person
of
color
being
criticized
in
that
way,
so
I
will
learn
one
thing
about
being
black
or
whatever
it
is
that
you
have
to
be
beyond
or
be
better
than
that
next
person
in
front
of
you
and
I
would
tell
any
young
person
out
here
to
look
yourself
in
the
mirror
and
and
try
to
criticize
yourself
be
honest
with
yourself
as
a
player
as
a
person
in
your
community.
Whatever
you
do
take
pride
in
who
you
are
the
example,
is
it
doesn't
make
any
difference
about?
F
H
I
always
gave
them
an
opportunity
to
correct
the
situation
before
I
went
to
the
press,
so
in
1983,
I
went
to
the
Red
Sox
front
office
and
told
them
that
this
practice
of
bringing
the
Elks
Club
officials
into
the
locker
room
to
distribute
cards
to
only
the
white
players
and
the
white
staff
only
was
hurting
the
morale
of
the
african-american
players
and
I
told
him.
This
and
I
walked
out
of
the
meeting.
They
said.
H
They'd
take
care
of
it
next
year
same
thing,
so
this
practice
went
on
from
1972
to
1985
until
a
writer
from
The,
Boston
Globe
approached
me
and
asked
me
about
the
practice.
I
told
him
the
truth.
I
didn't
I
didn't
make
up
anything.
I
just
told
him
what
the
experience
was
with
the
us,
Club
and
eventually
I
was
fired
because
I
spoke
up
against
the
practice
they
said.
I
was
a
bad
coach,
but
we
all
know
right.
F
I
You
know
for
a
long
time,
I
still
have
friends
that
every
time
I
talk
to
him
and
he
said
where
you
living
I
said
I'm
still
up
in
Boston.
This
isn't
racist
place
up
there
and
you
know
for
a
long
time
when,
when
I
got
drafted
here,
I
can
remember
friends
telling
me
whatever
you
do,
stay
out
of
South
Boston,
so
I'm
driving
down
the
freeway,
hoping
that
I
don't
run
out
of
gas,
so
I
have
to
go
into
South
Boston.
I
But
you
know
you
hear
all
those
things
and-
and
you
know
I,
you
know:
I
live
in
a
great
community
where
I
live
now.
I
raise
my
children,
my
family
here,
where
do
you
live?
I
live
in
Sheriff
Sharon
and
you
know
we're
such
a
diverse
community
there.
That
I
mean
my
kids
are
free
to
do
whatever
they
want.
You
know
and
I've
always
made
my
children
aware
of
a
lot
of
things.
I
The
fact
that
that
my
children
are
biracial
that
you
have
to
be
aware
of
this
this
this
and
that,
but
don't
judge
people
by
anything
until
you
see
the
reaction
and
see
how
they
act,
but
just
be
aware
of
it,
and
you
know
it
for
me:
I've
been
here
35
years,
I've
had
a
great
career
here.
I've
great
I
have
a
second
career
here.
That
is,
it's
been
fabulous
for
me.
I
think
the
fact
that
I've
gotten
opportunities
I've
wanted
to
do
a
great
job.
I
So
the
next
person
coming
up
that
I've
set
a
standard
that
the
next
person
that
comes
in
and
takes
my
place
or
gets
another
opportunity
with
any
of
the
sport
franchises
that
they're
judged
by
others.
Who've
had
that
opportunity
before
them.
How
the
community
you're
gonna
hear
things
there
are
things
that
still
go
on,
but
I
don't
think
it's
as
bad
as
people
think
it
is
I.
Think
you
got
to
commend
the
Red
Sox
for
reaching
out
and
bringing
everyone
and,
as
community
says,
a
lot
about
the
Red
Sox
and
what
they're
trying
to
do.
I
J
There's
a
message
out:
there
see
something
say
something
and
I
think
as
tip
said,
I
think
I
think
all
the
sports
teams
are
cognizant
wanted
to
make
all
of
our
venues,
no
matter
what
what
nationality,
whatever
you
represent,
they
want
to
make
it
a
place
where
you
can
come
and
enjoy
joy
again
and
I.
Think
the
Red
Sox
have
had
it's
great
taken
taking
us
on,
but
the
garden
and
the
Bruins.
J
No,
no
we're
no
stranger
to
this,
and
we
want
to
be
have
every
fan,
experience
be
the
best
they
can
be.
You
know,
I
think
it's.
It's
come
leaps
and
bounds.
Steve
as
we
talked
earlier,
it's
unfortunate
I
think
to
listen
to
Tony's
story
that
that
happened
to
her
I
can't
believe
that
happened,
I'm
embarrassed
that
it
happened,
but
I
think
in
today's
society
it's
as
tip
alluded
to
I.
Think
everybody's,
integrating
amongst
one
another
I
have
an
african-american,
neighbor
great
guy,
and
you
know
I
I,
look
at
him
as
a
friend.
G
Steve
to
me
you
have
to
realize
that
racism
is
alive
and
well,
and
it
happens
on
both
sides.
It
happens
as
his
people
of
color
and
I
contain
an
example
of
that
was
me
and
my
first
day
watching
Larry
Bird
come
in
and
watch
Larry
Bird
come
in
and
I'm
sitting
there
not
already
played
bendin
ebay
for
two
years,
so
I'm
watching
them
come
in
I'm
clapping
like
this
going
great
white
hope
there.
He
comes
thinking
in
my
mind.
G
Well
after
about
about
the
hour
to
him,
knocking
down
all
these
jump,
shots
I,
remember
saying
to
myself:
damn
there
white
guy
can
play
just
thinking
in
my
mind,
but
it
it.
It
really
focuses
on
who
you
are.
As
a
person
and
I've
seen
the
good
I've
seen
the
bad
I've
seen
the
ugly
I
never
knew
you
know
as
a
Boston
Celtic
player,
you
are
always
despised
by
people
of
color,
outside
the
Boston
and
or
Red
Sox
or
patrons
whatever
it
is.
You
were
always
despised.
G
The
time
I
knew
that
the
Boston
suck
that
Larry
Bird
had
crossed
over
and
made
the
difference
was
the
first
day.
I
saw
him
in
the
black
barbershop
on
the
wall
with
a
picture
of
him.
That
is
when
I
knew
that
Larry
Bird
had
made
that
jump
in
that
league.
So
you
you,
you
learned
that
it's
not
just
about
sports
right.
You
learned
that
sports
can
be
a
barrier
that
can
can
overcome
racism,
and
that's
why
I
am
so
and
and
I
just
put
it
out
there
now.
I
am
so
appalled
right
now.
F
F
Last
thing
before
we
bring
the
other
oh
I'm,
getting
a
Q
I'm
gonna.
Have
you
guys
stay
up
here
and
I'll
get
back
to
you
when
I
bring
the
other
executives
up
here
as
well,
I'd
like
to
bring
up
on
stage
two
women
who
just
took
the
initiative
absolutely
essential
and
making
this
thing
happen:
state
senator
Linda,
Dorsey,
knee
4e
and
indi
n-double-a-cp
Boston
branch
president
Tanisha
Sullivan
to
share
more
about
their
vision
and
the
first
things
up.
Take
the
lead.
L
Thank
You
Steven
good
afternoon,
everyone
good
afternoon,
all
right
I
want
to
thank
you.
Steve
I
want
to
thank
Reverend,
Liz
Walker
for
being
here
and
helping
us
moderate.
This
incredible
event.
Unfortunate
incidents
occur,
but
the
response
was
immediate,
concise
and
direct,
displaying
true
leadership.
An
opportunity
began
and
how
do
we
use
sports
as
a
vehicle
to
talk
about
race
and
racism
in
society?
So
we
want
to
thank
our
panelists
Andre,
tippet,
Cedric,
Maxwell,
Bob,
Sweeney
and
Tom
hopper
for
really
sharing
and
being
candid
and
honest
with
us
today.
Thank
you.
L
We
want
to
thank
all
of
our
home
teams
who
came
out
to
do
this
incredible
incredible
effort,
the
Red
Sox,
the
Patriots,
the
Celtics,
the
Bruins
and
the
Revolution
for
believing
and
contributing
to
this
effort.
They
are
taking
the
lead
and
wanted
to
start
with
the
public
work
with
all
of
us,
they're
friends
and
you'll,
hear
more
from
them
shortly
about
some
of
the
other
initiatives
going
forward.
L
M
M
But
I
also
want
to
pause
to
thank
the
team
that
I
am
so
privileged
and
honored
to
serve
with
day
in
and
day
out
at
the
end
of
OACP
Boston
branch.
There
is
no
work
that
can
happen
absent
a
team
and
that's
truly
what
today
exemplifies
as
well
so
I
think
my
a-team
for
being
here
and
constantly
being
thought
partners
and
guideposts
in
this
work.
M
So
when
we
first
began
this
journey
several
months
ago,
we
knew
this
would
not
be
easy
because,
although
this
movement
is
worthy,
the
reality
is
most
people.
When
it
comes
to
race,
they
run
away.
We
were
asking
people
to
walk
toward
it
to
step
into
this
conversation
in
a
way
that
we've
never
quite
done
before.
M
So
what
you're
experiencing
today
truly
reflects
the
trust,
the
humility
and
the
hope
that
is
so
deeply
rooted
in
all
of
these
clubs
and
motivates
their
desire
to
join
in
this
conversation.
So,
although
there
is
much
more
work
to
do,
we're
encouraged
we're
encouraged,
because
here
in
the
city
of
Boston,
in
the
Commonwealth
of
Massachusetts,
we
have
teams
that
know
how
to
win.
M
We
have
teams
that
know
how
to
win
against
tough
opponents,
and
there
is
absolutely
no
doubt
that
the
example
they
are
setting
for
us
today
will
serve
as
a
model
and
a
valuable
contribution
to
our
collective
work
against
racism,
and
so
I
want
to
take
a
moment
to
say
this.
We
are
so
happy
to
see
all
of
you
here
today,
but
please
know
this
is
not
a
pit
stop.
It
is
not
the
end
of
the
road.
This
is
not
a
drive-by.
L
L
F
O
So
when
Steve
and
I
were
talking
coming
in
we're
talking
about
the
American
spirit
of
unity
and
patriotism
and
togetherness,
and
obviously
right
now,
it's
not
at
a
great
point.
But
when
Steve
and
I
talked
we
talked
about
that
when
Americans
are
at
their
absolute
highest,
you
actually
can
see
that
unity
live
and
in
color,
literally
and
figuratively,
and
we
use
the
championship
parades
as
your
walk,
driving
down
the
street
and
duck
boats.
O
You
see
people
of
all
socio-economic,
racial,
ethnic
backgrounds,
all
together,
chairing
a
team
and
that's
at
our
highest
point,
but
then
recently,
unfortunately,
at
our
lowest
points
like
the
devastation
in
Houston.
There's
hundreds
of
stories
on
the
Internet
of
the
same
thing,
people
of
different
racial
ethnic,
socio-economic
backgrounds
coming
together
and
helping
one
another
when
they're
at
their
most
neediest,
and
that
really
tells
a
great
story
about
the
power
of
unity
at
the
greatest
points
in
time
and
the
toughest
points
excellent.
F
Excellent
David
Hoffman
of
the
Celtics
I
want
to
turn
my
attention
to
you
because
you
are
in
that
Celtics
locker
room,
you
see,
players
come
and
go.
You
see
how
your
team
comes
together
and
now
you
got
to
do
face
lifts
but
tell
us
if
you
will
how
the
Celtics
are
reaching
out.
I
know
the
Patriots
I
know
all
these
sports
teams
are
to
going
out
into
the
community.
You
guys
are
doing
an
awesome
thing.
N
Before
I
answer,
your
question
directly
I
know
I'm,
representing
Rick
and
Steve
Paulo,
yuca
and
and
Rich
Gotham
up
here,
they're
actually
at
the
NBA
governor
governor,
a
Board
of
Governors
meeting,
which
they're
tackling
some
of
these
very
same
issues.
So
I'm
excited
to
be
here
and
be
able
to
speak
about
some
of
the
grassroots
stuff
that
we're
doing.
N
We've
been
fortunate
over
the
course
of
time
to
have
just
really
socially
minded
and
community
driven
players
max
and
everyone
that
came
before
him.
People
that
came
after
I've
just
been
incredible,
and
you
know
just
as
much
so
for
the
last
group
of
guys
that
we've
had
over
the
last
several
years
before
the
roster
overhaul.
You
know
happened
this
summer
and
you
know
the
organization
is
about
tradition.
N
N
Have
these
conversations
all
the
time
and
I
was
uncomfortable
hearing
the
stories
that
you
guys
were
saying
a
couple
minutes
ago,
I'm
sure
that
there
was
a
lot
of
people
out
there
that
were
just
as
an
uncomfortable,
and
you
know
our
players,
as
you
know,
as
we
have
these
conversations
in
our
locker
room
and
they
happen
all
the
time
we
learn
to
embrace
the
uncomfortable.
We
became
comfortable
with
the
uncomfortable
through
this
dialogue
and
we
were
able
to
launch
and
we'll
continue
to
roll
out
this
year
and
for
the
foreseeable
future,
an
initiative.
N
That's
essentially
designed
to
open
up
this
dialogue
among
young
people,
so
invest
in
young
people
who
10
years
from
now
15
years
from
now
20
years
from
now
30
years
from
now
become
people
with
power
and
influence,
whether
it
be
heads
of
households,
whether
it
be
teachers
or
police
officers
or
hiring
managers,
you
name
it
these
young
people
before
they
form
conscious
or
unconscious
bias.
Can
you
get
them
to
have
this
dialogue?
N
And
so
we
do
it
not
from
the
perspective
of
a
perpetrator
of
this,
not
from
a
perspective
of
the
victim
of
this,
but
from
the
perspective
of
a
bystander
people
that
hear
things,
people
that
see
things
and
oftentimes
don't
really
know
what
to
do
from
a
human
standpoint,
we're
kind
of
taught
to
have
a
fight
or
a
flight
set
of
options,
and
so
the
fight
there
comes
social
consequences
to
stepping
in
and
intervening
in
situations.
When
you
hear
something
or
see
something
going
on,
you
have
to
deal
with
those.
N
F
K
P
Know
we
heard
a
little
bit
of
the
mayor.
I
think
mentioned
Jackie
Robinson,
of
course,
and
right
what
he
did
for
baseball
and
we
was
talk
a
little
bit
about
Bill
Russell
and
what
he's
meant
for
basketball
but
I
think
it.
It
goes
under
the
radar
a
bit
that
that
the
Boston
Bruins
had
the
first
player
of
color
in
the
National
Hockey
League
in
1958,
Willie
O'ree,
and
talk
about
somebody
who
took
the
lead,
yeah,
Willie,
really
an
icon
and
I
I'm.
Sorry
Willie
isn't
here
with
us
today.
He
really
should
be
I.
P
We
just
finished
a
five-city
tour
of
surrounding
areas
of
we
think
of
Boston
as
the
center
of
the
universe,
the
hub
of
the
universe,
but
we
try
to
reach
out
into
all
the
spokes
that
we
think
the
bee
touches
and
and
and
activate
in
those
communities
for
youth
that
might
not
be
able
to
to
buy
hockey
equipment.
We're
where
Congress
of
the
fact
that
hockey
is
an
expensive
sport
to
play
and
we're
very
proud
that
we
we
just
got
a
grand
shipment
of
equipment.
F
Hockey
is
for
everyone,
thank
you,
but
here's
the
but
hockey
is
for
everyone,
but
you
have
one
black
player
in
the
in
the
system.
That's
not
your
fault,
I'm,
not
blaming
you,
but
how
do
you
reach
out
to
get
others?
How
do
you
reach
out
to
have
touches
african-americans
in
the
stands,
but
other
people
in
the
stands?
Well,.
P
We
have
a
very
diverse
fan
base.
We
have
if
I
may
speak,
for
the
Bruins
and
really
frankly,
for
the
TD
Garden
I
mean
we
have
roughly
two
million
visitors
a
year
that
come
through
our
doors
and
there
of
all
walks
of
life,
and
we
aspire
and
really
frankly
drive
to
have
the
best-in-class
experience
for
our
event,
goers,
whether
it's
Bruins
Celtics
concerts,
Disney,
shows
circus,
you
name
it
and
so
listen.
Our
message
is,
everyone
should
feel
at
home.
F
B
First
of
all,
to
come
back
home
to
Boston
in
2002
and
get
to
work
with
Tommy
Harper
and
the
men
and
women
of
the
Red
Sox
who
are
here
today.
Thank
you,
guys
was
a
dream
come
true,
and
while
we've
had
a
lot
of
fun
in
the
15
years,
and
probably
the
best
era
in
the
history
of
Boston
sports
with
the
championships,
one
of
the
most
liberating
things
that
John
Henry,
Tom,
Warner
and
Larry,
Luke
Eno
did
was
simply
own.
The
fact
that
our
franchise
had
a
shameful
pass
with
respect
to
race
relations.
B
We
didn't
run
away
from
it.
As
Tanisha
mentioned,
we
walked
towards
it,
we
owned
it.
We
acknowledged
it
and
we've
tried
hard
for
15
years
to
ensure
that
Fenway
Park
is
open
welcoming
to
everybody.
But
when
you
go
to
work
on
May
first
and
Adam
Jones
has
the
n-word
hurled
at
him,
boy
that
hurts
that
really
hurts
and
to
sit
here
and
listen
to
Tommy
Harper
tell
his
story
that
really
hurts
so
to
have
the
support
of
an
organization
that
believes
in
addressing
these
issues
head-on.
B
So
we
just
felt
it
was
important
to
work
together
with
our
unbelievable
colleagues
in
sports
to
try
and
have
the
conversation
and
I
think
Liz
said
it.
Well,
we're
not
going
to
change
the
world,
but
we
are
gonna.
Have
the
conversation,
we're
gonna
elevate
and
sustain
this
conversation
as
an
organization
and
we're
very,
very
grateful
to
our
colleagues
in
sports
and
our
great
alums.
It's
humbling
to
be
on
the
stage
with
these
guys.
F
Q
Majority
of
our
players,
weren't
even
born
the
United
States,
and
so
when
we
think
about
diversity
in
our
locker
room,
it's
not
just
a
racial
diversity.
It's
a
real
cultural
diversity
that
that
you
have,
and
for
us
it's
a
great
opportunity
to
reach
out
to
the
community
and
and
I've
learned
a
ton
about
the
Boston
communities.
The
the
multitude
of
communities
and
what's
important
for
us,
is
not
just
to
get.
Q
You
know
players
into
the
community
where
people
can
relate
to
them
very
easily,
but
into
the
communities
that
maybe
can't
relate
to
them
very
easily
and
so
having
a
great
diversity
of
African
players
of
European
players
of
Latino
players
and
Asian
players
and
being
able
to
bring
those
guys
into
different
communities
is
really
really
important
to
us
and
it's
great
to
see
those
guys
out
there
and
the
work
that
they
do
and
to
try
to
get
them
integrated
to
the
American
culture.
So
it's
not
just
a
race
thing
for
us.
Q
O
Say
if
Boston's
gotten,
better
Steve,
cuz,
I
I
think
it
has
from
everything
I've
heard
from
this
event
today,
from
the
stories
we've
heard
from
Cedric
and
Tommy
about
improvements
and
the
leaders
of
the
community
taking
the
lead
but
I
think
how
do
we
continue
to
get
better?
It's
events
like
this.
It's
the
community
work
that
all
of
our
teams
and
other
corporations
in
the
city
do
providing
opportunities
to
people,
reducing
the
achievement
gap,
bringing
everybody
getting
everybody
on
an
equal
playing
field,
so
to
speak.
F
B
The
Adam
Jones
incident
happened
and,
by
the
way,
probably
like
most
of
you,
we
learned
about
most
things
on
our
cell
phones.
These
days,
I
saw
it
on
Twitter
a
few
hours
after
the
game
when
it
was
reported
by
Bob
Nightingale
of
USA
Today.
We
knew
we
needed
to
address
it
right
away,
and
so
our
thought
was
to
sit
down
with
Adam
and
Adam
Grossman
from
our
operation,
who,
by
the
way,
deserves
a
huge
shoutout
for
pulling
this
all
together.
B
Adam
said
to
me:
you
know:
I,
that's
great
you're
gonna
go
see,
Adam
Jones
and
talk
to
him
and
I
know.
John
Henry
wants
to
go,
see
him
as
well,
but
you
really
need
to
talk
to
our
players.
You
need
to
sit
down
with
our
players
first
and
just
find
out
how
they're
feeling
and
some
of
their
experiences.
So
it's
incredible
what
you
learn
when
you
have
a
clubhouse
full
of
diverse
players
from
all
over
the
country
all
over
the
world.
B
Now,
in
our
case-
and
the
message
was,
was
loud
and
clear
again
this
this
is
not
just
Boston.
This
is
everywhere
and
we
feel
embarrassed
that
something
like
this
could
happen
in
our
city,
but
we
should
try
to
recognize
it
and
see
if
we
can
have
the
conversation
and
have
some
positive
come
out
of
it
and
I'm
so
proud
of
our
art
players.
B
B
F
H
H
Current
owners
are
committed
to
improving
the
Fenway
experience
for
everyone.
Certain
behavior
that
would
make
people
feel
unwelcome
is
no
longer
tolerated
right
and
that's
the
response
to
the
Adam.
Jones
thing
is
what
I
take
away
and
is
the
improvement
and
how
things
have
gotten
better.
It's
the
response
from
Red
Sox
ownership.
H
B
And
topical
to
address
the
yaki
way,
issue
and
I
agree
with
Tommy
that
I'm
not
here
to
call
anyone
a
racist,
especially
someone
I've,
never
met
the
yaki
foundation,
the
people
that
we've
worked
for
the
Red
Sox,
that
I've
known
prior
to
John,
Henry
and
Tom
Werner,
fantastic,
hard-working
people
yaki
way
is
a
symbol
that
has
really
been
an
issue
that
we've
been
focused
on,
and
so
we
we
made
the
decision.
John
Henry
made
the
decision.
B
He
sent
a
loud
and
powerful
message
that
he
would
like
the
Red
Sox
to
take
the
lead
petition,
the
city
to
change
the
name
of
Yaqui
way,
because
it's
a
powerful
symbol
of
a
time
when
this
ballpark
and
an
era
might
not
have
been
as
inclusive
and
welcoming
as
it
should
have
been.
So
we'll
see
it's
a
community
effort,
the
neighborhood
that
community
need
to
be
involved
with
it.
B
F
Do
want
to
bring
this
back
up
here
and
before
I.
Do
I
do
want
to
point
out
one
thing
and
I
really
need
to
point
this
out.
The
Yaqui
Foundation
has
gone
above
and
beyond
to
help
a
lot
of
people
all
over
black
white
Hispanic
all
over
and
that
it'd
be
missed
for
me
not
to
point
that
out.
That's
the
only
thing,
I
want
to
say
Sam,
because
I
know
you
know
that
they
have
reached
out
and
they've
made
a
difference.
Liz.
My
dear
I
love
you,
okay,.
C
So,
let's
give
a
big
hand
to
this
conversation
today
to
Steve
to
all
the
team
representatives
to
the
alumni.
This
is
important
and
you
stepped
up,
and
we
thank
you.
You
have
inspired
us
for
so
long
on
the
field
on
the
court
and
now
you're
inspiring
us
on
a
larger
arena.
The
work
we
have
to
do
we
talked
about
it.
It
begins
at
home.
Actually
it
begins
in
your
heart.
Well,
how
will
you
change?
How
are
you
going
to
do
something?
C
Everybody
here
today
should
leave
with
at
least
one
idea
that
you
can
do
differently
and
it
is
complicated
and
it
is
about
changing
systems,
and
it
is
about
changing
other
attitudes,
but
here's
what
I
think
we
can
all
do
practice
grace
now.
It
sounds
like
she's
winding
up
for
a
sermon.
Doesn't
it
and
I
am
but
it'll
be
short?
C
It
transcends
race,
it
transcends
culture,
it's
just
how
you
treat
that
other
person,
whether
you
know
them
or
not,
whether
they're
worth
it
or
not,
whether
they've
deserved
done
something
wonderful
or
deservedly
or
not.
You
practice
grace.
Let
me
give
you
a
quick
example:
I'm
on
93
the
other
day,
I'm
coming
into
city
of
Boston
I
have
to
take
that
on-ramp
to
stir
I'll
Drive.
C
Ok,
you
got
to
wait
in
line
on
that
left
side
because
it's
a
long
ramp
right,
so
I'm
sitting
in
my
car
I'm
waiting
and
I'm
waiting
and
I'm
waiting
and
I'm
being
a
good
American
citizen
and
then
I
slowly
get
down
to
the
end
of
that
on-ramp
I'm,
almost
at
sterile
drive,
and
wouldn't
you
know
a
car
leaps
right
in
front
of
me.
Oh,
but
oh
no!
This
is
not
happening
today.
So
I
play
chicken
with
another.
C
Now
I'm
the
mother,
Teresa
of
Roxbury
and
I,
decide
to
play
chicken
with
another
car,
cuz
I'm
just
mad
and
I'm,
not
gonna.
Let
this
guy
in
practicing
grace
is
giving
somebody
else
a
break.
They
may
not
deserve
it.
They
may
not
be
your
own
color,
but
you
give
them
a
break
because
you're
all
here
together.
C
C
So
we
need
to
treat
each
other
like
there's
only
us
and
it
does
matter,
and
it
matters
if
you're
the
owner
of
a
of
a
sports
team
or
if
it
matters,
if
you're
on
93.
What
will
you
do?
What
will
your
answer
be
when
your
children
and
your
children's
children
ask
you
what
you
did
during
this
polarized
and
divisive
time?
The
choice
is
yours.
C
C
There's
no
sound
so
there
you
go.
This
happened
to
me
in
television
news
so
many
times.
What
would
you
do
you
just
keep
talking
I
want
you
to
go
online
and
there's
going
to
be
information
for
you
on
how
to
take
the
lead.
There's
all
things
you
can
do,
but
you
can
look
in
somebody
else's
eyes
and
you
can
say
I
see
you
you're
important,
see
me
I'm
important
too.