Maro Itoje has posted powerful messages on ‘Blackout Tuesday’ as the world of sport continues to protest against the death of George Floyd and support the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.
The England star was among those who joined the huge social media movement by sharing a completely black image to their Instagram accounts.
Itoje wrote: “Being in lockdown this has been a very reflective period. Especially with the death of George Floyd recently it has given me a whole load of food for thought.. Police brutality/racism has been a consistent issue within the US, and the UK is definitely no angel either when it comes to this matter.
“As a society we seem to be more outraged over injustices in the US over the injustices that happen in the UK and in the African continent. I am guilty of this at times also.
“But on a more individual level it has made me think what more can I do to support and uplift the Afro/Caribbean community specifically through my sport, behaviours and through my charitable endeavours.
“As with all charities, this is a tough period for them. As a result of Covid donations have dramatically reduced and fundraising has been halted. Here are a few charities that are doing great things for our community if you would like to support.”
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Unarmed black man Floyd was killed in Minneapolis last week after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes.
The incident, which quickly went viral has sparked days of civil unrest in America and led to protests across the world by demonstrators angry about the brutal and disparate treatment of black people by the police and racism in society, and demanding change.
The likes of Danny Cipriani and Quade Cooper also took part in the stand against institutional racism.
MARO ITOJE FACTS:
1. His Name
His full name is much more of a mouthful. The lock was born Oghenemaro Miles Itoje in Camden, London on 28 October 1994 to Nigerian parents.
2. Other Sports
As a schoolboy, Itoje played several sports including basketball, football, rugby and athletics, representing England at U17 level in shot put.
3. Studies
Maro got a rugby scholarship to London Harrow school when he was 11. He then studied for a Politics degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies in Bloomsbury, London at the same time as starting his rugby career.