“I’m inspired by the likes of Muhammad Ali, I’m inspired by the Bill Russells and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbars, the Oscar Robertsons — those guys who stood when the times were even way worse than they are today,” Mr. James said. And because today’s players have come of age in an era of social media, they want to engage in advocacy in their own voice. “This group of athletes wants to feel empowered in every single way,” Mr. Carter said. Jocelyn Benson, the Michigan secretary of state, said that “trusted voices” like Mr. James’s could help break through the din at a moment of rising skepticism toward the news media and both political parties. “What we’re seeing in Michigan is there’s a heightened need to inform citizens how to vote in this coronavirus era,” said Ms. Benson, a Democrat who is helping advise the group.

Source: New York Times June 10, 2020 23:03 UTC