Winnipeg Jets Captain and Minnesota native Blake Wheeler speaks out about racism in the U.S.

Following outrage over the murder of George Floyd, at the hands of Minnesota police, the nation would plunge into a discourse of protest, rioting and violence, with racism and police brutality being at the forefront of the country's consciousness.

As cities continue to burn and people continue to plead for equality and justice, those with a platform to reach the masses have begun taking to social media to share their words, including many professional athletes.

Among those offering words of solidarity and hope, Winnipeg Jets Captain and Minnesota native, Blake Wheeler.

Wheeler took to Twitter on Saturday, issuing the following statement;

I've wanted to say something for a while, but it's been really difficult knowing what to say. My hometown is burning. Businesses where I grew up are being boarded up. America is not OK.

Growing up outside Minneapolis, I always felt sheltered from racism. That's because I was. Most people I grew up with looked like me. I never had to be scared when I stopped at a traffic light or saw the police in public. My kids will never know that fear either.

I'm heartbroken that we still treat people this way. We need to stand with the black community and fundamentally change how the leadership in this country has dealt with racism. I'm sorry it has taken this long, but I'm hopeful that we can change this NOW.

George Floyd's life mattered. Ahmaud Arbery's life mattered. So did every other life that has been lost by this senseless violence and racism."

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