Actor Isaiah Washington offered a solution to the ongoing police brutality against African-Americans.
The former “Grey’s Anatomy” star posted a call to action on Facebook Sept. 20 urging Black Americans who are “really fed up” to refrain from going to sporting events, government buildings and working.
“Imagine if every single African American in the United States that was really fed up with being angry, sad and disgusted, would pick ONE DAY to simply ‘stay at home’ from every single job, work site, sports arena and government office in the United States of America,” he wrote.
“I’m very sure that within 72 hours from Wall Street to the NFL…Black Lives Would Matter.”
Washington’s statement wraps with several hashtags including #ItsTime and #RIPTerenceCrutcher.
The latter hashtag is in reference to Terence Crutcher. He is the Tulsa, Oklahoma man who police shot and killed after he asked for help with his stalled vehicle.
Additionally, Washington noted the date Sept. 26 as the day African-Americans should boycott.
Some of the 53-year-old’s fans voiced support for the movement, but many others disagreed about its effectiveness.
On the supportive side, Taiwo Williams thought it should also span worldwide.
Erania McClelland “loved” the idea.
And Julia Thomas backed it completely.
However, several fans poked holes in the demonstration and took issue with potentially losing their jobs or not making a big enough impact.
Erinn Rochelle thought there would not be enough Black participants to “make a dent.”
Mike Acholonu felt Black NFL athletes refraining from playing “would be better.”
Christian Lee thought that ending professional football and basketball – where Black athletes make up the majority of the players – would force a change.
Sincerly Spontaniouse thought Washington’s plan was good in theory. Still, she expressed the desire to keep her employment and turned the task to the “rich and famous people.”
Meanwhile, Traveon Ramey shared he was the only Black person in his office and thought “they wouldn’t care” if he didn’t show.