NASCAR Taking the Lead on Diversity
By Staff writerLast week, NASCAR announced a newly created position of Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion; naming Brandon Thompson to the the newly formed role that many people felt was needed.
Within a few days, NASCAR’s sole black driver, Bubba Wallace was a victim of a racially charged hate crime. Sunday afternoon a noose was discovered in Wallace’s garage stall at the Talladega race track in Alabama. The move came in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement. Just days after Wallace sported an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt before one event and repainted his car with “Black Lives Matter”. He also called on NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag. NASCAR has since banned the confederate flag from being displayed at any events.
While the move was heinous, what followed was a sign of changing times and support for the lone Black full-time driver
NASCAR drivers, pit crew members and others showed their unified support by walking alongside Bubba Wallace’s number 43 car at the Talladega Superspeedway after the discovery of the noose.
NASCAR’s biggest stars like Kyle Bush, Richard Petty, and every other driver supported him.
NASCAR’s Executive Vice President Steve O’Donnell tweeted out the video of Wallace’s car being followed by a large crowd of people. Wallace was visibly emotional hugging drivers and fans sporting an American flag facemask.
While changes are happening in NASCAR many still question the morals behind some of the drivers and fans that support the sport. Some say they are appreciative of the change but that there is still a long way to go.
www.nytimes.com/2020/06/22/sports/bubba-wallace-noose-talladega.html
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8451265/Bubba-Wallaces-girlfriend-says-white-people-including-examine-prejudices.html
