Walter Payton is royalty in the city of Chicago. Probably the second-most celebrated athlete in the city’s long sports history behind Michael Jordan. Whenever his name is invoked, it’s with great pride and admiration. So one can understand why even members of his family are treated with respect. Sadly though, that’s only when people know who they are. Take the name away, and it’s a far different story.
Racial tensions are the highest they’ve been in American in close to 60 years. That was evident following the tragic death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis black man who was suffocated by police officers during an arrest. An event that was captured on video. This has led to widespread protests across the country including Chicago, forcing curfews to be instituted and the National Guard being called up.
How bad is it out there? Just ask Brittney Payton, Walter’s 35-year old daughter. She was the victim of an awful racial incident while trying to pick up a prescription at a nearby Walgreens.
Walter Payton needs to serve as an example again
One of the reasons Payton was so beloved is he found a way to bridge the gap between all races. He was kind and friendly to everybody, regardless of their skin color. A true role model. It’s hard to think he’s been dead for more than two decades and relations are probably worse than ever. What his daughter is saying reflects the same messages he tried to convey back then. Fighting hate with hate won’t solve the problem.
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Until everybody learns to embrace and accept the differences in each other, this sort of cyclical violence will continue. The Bears did the right thing by speaking out against the Floyd killing so quickly. They should continue to lead that charge moving forward, doing as Payton would’ve done.