“You feel afraid.” Former professional football player says racism is everywhere

WINNIPEG (CityNews) – A former NFL and CFL player now living in Canada says racism exists on both sides of the border.

American-born Kelly Butler – who played for the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Winnipeg Blue Bombers – believes Canadians need to acknowledge racism in their country before pointing the finger at Americans.

“I’m proud to be black, and I’m proud to be in Canada being black, and I’m proud to be in America being black. But I am afraid in both,” said Butler.

“This is what I live. Regardless if I’m in Canada, when you go somewhere to enjoy yourself or walk amongst people, you feel afraid.”

Butler, currently living in Winnipeg, says Canadians cannot celebrate the fact they generally appear less racist than Americans. He says countries all around the world, including Canada, need to actively address systemic racism and discrimination.

“How bad do you want to make a change?” asked Butler. “You talk about it, but let’s write it down, let’s put some money behind it and watch this thing grow because you see how big hate is.”

“That uncomfortable feeling as a friend and ally… understand that if you really want to be a part of this, then you’re going to have to be a part of this for a little bit longer than a day. Because we seem to keep forgetting, black people keep dying.”

Butler’s mother was murdered on the street when he was 10 years old. He says he feels sick to his stomach watching the ongoing protests and riots in the United States following the murder of George Floyd.

The former Bomber offensive lineman also recently became a father. He says explaining to his young daughter how the world is different depending on the colour of your skin is not a conversation that should happen in 2020 – but it does.

“How do I explain racism to my daughter?” he asked. “How do I explain hate to my daughter?”

Butler is addressing the Manitoba legislature on Friday to help highlight what needs to be done to eliminate racism in Canada.