A day after his moving speech on institutionalised racism ahead of the ongoing Test between England and West Indies in Southampton, pace legend Michael Holding broke down while narrating the racial discrimination his parents coped up in the past.
Speaking to Sky News after the second day's play at the Ageas Bowl, Holding, who hails from Jamaica, said he was thinking about his parents when he got emotional on TV, referring to his Wednesday's address before the feelings resurfaced during the interview.
"To be honest, that emotional part came when I started thinking of my parents. And it's coming again now," said the 66-year-old as he tried to hold back his tears.
Resuming after a brief pause, he added: “I know what my parents went through. My mother’s family stopped talking to her because her husband was too dark.
“I know what they went through, and that came back to me immediately," Holding continued wiping tears from his eyes.
Racism has become a topic of global debate following the killing of George Floyd – a 46-year-old African-American, who died on May 25 in Minneapolis after Derek Chauvin, a white policeman, knelt on his neck for several minutes.
Floyd’s death sparked protests across the United States while demonstrations were held in various countries in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Caribbean cricketers like Chris Gayle, Daren Sammy, Carlos Brathwaite among others have been vocal supporters of the protests and also opened up about the racism in the game.
Moreover, England and West Indies players took the knee to show combined support to the #BlackLivesMatter campaign ahead of the first Test match in Southampton.
Considering the current uprising could be a tipping point in the fight against racism, Holding was asked if, 'this may be the moment that things change'.
"It’s going to be a slow process. Even if it’s a baby step at a time, even at a snail’s pace, I’m hoping it will continue in the right direction. Even at a snail’s pace, I don’t care,” the fast bowling great replied.
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