Thought For The Day – Wednesday 24th May 2023
Support and Solidarity
At TBSHS we encourage, value and support everyone.
We stand up against negative, wrong, illegal and evil prejudice and discrimination, whether that be racism, antisemitism, sexism, LGBT+ prejudice and discrimination, ableism, ageism or classism. Tomorrow will mark three years since the murder of George Floyd.
All of us have a vital part to play every day in spreading goodness and appropriately challenging wrong, looking after others and ourselves, treating others as we wish to be treated. This is “The Black and Gold Spirit”.
Solidarity means unity and support for one another in a common cause, especially support for those suffering.
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, or Vinícius Júnior as he is widely known, is one of the most exciting and brilliant men’s footballers in the world today. After signing for Real Madrid in Spain, aged 18, Vinícius Júnior, now aged 22, has become such a skilful, inspired, energetic, passionate and creative player with Real Madrid and Brazil.
At the weekend, in a game in Spain, Vinícius Júnior suffered and was the victim of racist abuse. The game he was playing in had to be paused. Vinícius Júnior had suffered other racism this season. A number of arrests have already been made, fines have been issued and there has been a temporary closure of part of the stadium where the racism occurred.
An iconic landmark in Vinícius Júnior’s home city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, The Statue of Christ The Redeemer, symbolically had its lights turned off in support of Vinícius Júnior in recent days. 
The Archdiocesan Sanctuary that manages the monument stated: “The Christ the Redeemer Archdiocesan Sanctuary repudiates the racist attacks suffered by the Brazilian player Vinícius Júnior. The lighting of the monument will be switched off as a symbol of the collective fight against racism and in solidarity with the player and all those who suffer prejudice around the world.”
“The Black Christ”, Christ the Liberator, on the side of all people and those suffering injustice and standing up for justice, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Vinícius Júnior posted a message in great gratitude of the support and solidarity, whilst his sportswear company, one of many sportswear companies available, posted an anti-racism message in support and solidarity early this morning with the title of: “Stop looking the other way”.
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