June 4th 2024.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were initially hesitant to get involved in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department in 2020. However, a change of heart from Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Tru Pettigrew led the organization to realize their unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the Minneapolis community. This realization sparked a robust effort to assist the community, resulting in numerous social justice awards for the team and individual players.
As reported by The Athletic, Pettigrew recognized that the players already had a strained relationship with the city's officers, which only worsened after Floyd's murder. When he was brought on by Gersson Rosas, the then-president of Basketball Operations for the Timberwolves, Pettigrew's main task was to repair this rift. "That relationship was strained," Pettigrew explained. "It was already fragile between law enforcement and the Black community. And then with this incident, the players were like, 'We're not feeling MPD.' That was my initial assignment."
Pettigrew was able to bring some of George Floyd's family members to a game against the Houston Rockets in Houston, where they reside. Following the victory, players Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and Josh Okogie met with the family and dedicated the game ball to Floyd and his loved ones. This moment was captured and shared on social media, showcasing the team's genuine support for the family.
The Minnesota Lynx, the WNBA franchise sponsored by the Mayo Clinic, have also been actively involved in social justice efforts. During Pettigrew's tenure with the Timberwolves, he also worked closely with the Lynx, who have a history of using their platform to advocate for change. In 2016, players Rebekah Brunson, Simone Augustus, Maya Moore, and Lindsay Whalen wore T-shirts with powerful messages in response to the killings of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. This sparked a larger conversation and demonstrated the team's commitment to fighting for justice.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve spoke about this moment in 2020, stating, "The No. 1 thing we were trying to convey was that we couldn't sit idly by and watch murders at the hands of the police against Black and brown communities. Change was the No. 1 thing we were after. So it was, 'Change starts with us.' It was also being bold saying Black Lives Matter." Reeve went on to note the progress that has been made since then, with more people now openly supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
Although Pettigrew's time with the Timberwolves has come to an end, players like Karl-Anthony Towns continue to champion social justice initiatives in the community. Towns recently received the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award for his dedicated and impactful work. The team also launched the "Pack The Vote" campaign in 2020, encouraging people to register to vote and make their voices heard.
Despite the progress that has been made, the fight for social justice is far from over. As we approach the four-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder, it's important to continue pushing for change and holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx have shown their commitment to being allies in this fight for a more just and equal world. It's a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a better future.
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