Venus Williams addresses ‘systemic racism’ that plagues America

Weeks after the death of George Floyd, Venus Williams has finally spoken out after fans questioned why she wasn’t weighing in.

Venus Williams has addressed the ongoing issues plaguing America after tennis fans continuously called her out for failing to speak out.

On May 25, George Floyd was arrested before being pinned to the ground underneath the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

His death sparked protests not only across America, but the entire world as the Black Lives Matter movement gained steam.

Athletes, movies stars, billionaires and people from all walks of life used their voices in the fight against inequality.

But as the days went on, Williams continued to post to her Instagram account videos of workouts and product promotions. Fans were quick to call her out in the comments section for not speaking out over the racial inequality in America.

Beyond the ineffectual black squares, which have rung hollow for many, there's also been objections on social media to public figures staying completely silent on social re: the issues in America currently.

Seems to be the case with Venus Williams' fans, notably.

Fair? pic.twitter.com/DYn2bYIn6J

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 5, 2020

On Tuesday morning she broke her silence with a lengthy post on social media surrounding the ongoing issues of police brutality and the “hideous face of racism”.

“I am deeply saddened that it has taken multiple acts of police brutality to make people painfully aware of the racism that still pervades America,” Williams wrote.

“It shouldn’t. This just scratches the surface of the hideous face of racism in America.

Take a moment to imagine this: If police brutality can exist and be tolerated so many years at this scale, imagine the other insidious acts of racism that permeate our country.

“In the workplace. In the justice system. In the healthcare system. In the education system.

“Speaking up about racism in the past was unpopular. It was shunned. No one believed you. Until you have walked in these shoes, as an African American, it is impossible to understand the challenges you face in the country, in this world. What it is like to be unheard, thought of foolish, silly or reckless to believe that racism still exists at every level.

“This is no longer falling on deaf ears. I’m amazed at the solidarity that has erupted across the USA. It has brought me to tears.

George Floyd’s death sparked widespread protests.

“In the past, I had the honour of fighting for equal prize money for all women’s players at the grand slams in tennis. To make this even more simple to understand, just as sexism is not only a ‘women’s issue’, racism is not only a ‘black issue’. When we fought for and won equal prize money, everyone pitched in, men and women, all colours all races. And we won.

“When the majority groups stay quiet, when they sit in the chair of disbelief, they unwittingly condone the oppression of marginalised groups. Those with power and privilege actually have an easier time getting heard. They must CONTINUALLY exercise that privilege!

“We MUST win! We cannot let systematic racism persist.

“We have to love one another. Help one another. Listen to one another, believe one another, even if we don’t understand or will never walk in our neighbour’s shoes.

“Keep speaking out. Speak out today, tomorrow, next month, next year, each and every day until all is equal for African-Americans.

“I am so happy, so relieved, as an African American, to finally be heard.

“I pray for those who have lost their lives and for their families so America could finally wake up and act. #blacklivesmatter.”

Teenage sensation Coco Gauff has lead the way in speaking out against racial injustice with the American youngster delivering a powerful speech during a peaceful protest in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida.