As the only Black driver in the history of Formula One, it’s safe to say that Lewis Hamilton is in a very unique position every time he hits the race track. To that end, he’s been very vocal in the past about the need to improve diversity throughout the sport and makes it a point to use his own platform to call for change and amplify pertinent issues impacting the Black community.
Japan’s Princess Mako, new husband renting one-bedroom apartment in NYC
For his efforts, the Wall Street Journal has christened Hamilton its first-ever sports innovator for its upcoming Innovator Awards. And in an exclusive interview with the news site’s magazine, the prolific activist, who also lends his support to environmental and animal rights causes, recalled one instance in which he had “nerves” after deciding to wear a t-shirt in support of Breonna Taylor.
I’m 1,000 percent sure you are an avid reader of The Root, so I’ll assume you’re familiar with the story of Taylor, who was shot and killed by Louisville Metro police officers in her own home last March. In the aftermath of her officer-related death, Hamilton decided to wear a T-shirt with “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” across the front before and after one of his races last year. In reflecting on that moment with the Wall Street Journal, the seven-time champion admitted to being nervous beforehand.
“I can’t be second. I’m wearing that shirt,” he told the Journal. “I’ve got to get to first to bring light to her name.”
