bill Darin a co-founder of Nike says
that if you have a body you’re an
athlete and I’m a firm believer that as
a competitor
nothing beats from all the blood sweat
and tears payoff for the victory after
the long hours after the aches and pains
after the doubt you did it and succeeded
we’ve all can relate to this feeling of
triumph when you’ve worked long and hard
for something and you see the results
you want see what you may or may not
know is that athletes have a
responsibility and this responsibility
is far greater than any one more
memorable than any game and the legacy
unforgettable it’s more than a game and
athletes are in a position to be the
voice for those who might not have the
same power I believe that if you are a
human you have a voice you have a voice
with that voice you have a power with
that power comes a responsibility
because you never know when you can
inspire someone and that can be the
start of a ripple effect that turns me
to a catalyst for change but before we
dive into this any further ladies and
gentlemen I want you to get comfortable
because I’m gonna ask you to be honest
with yourself when was the last time you
had a genuine conversation now you might
sit back and say Taylor I have genuine
conversations all the time and hey you
might but the conversations that I’m
talking about include more than just the
simple highs by is how are you busy
school is crazy did you guess what my
teacher they need this great no I’m
talking about when was the last time you
let another person know that
hey I see you I hear you and you know I
might not understand you but I’m willing
to take the time to listen with this
voice you have the power to create a
dialogue that matters and through these
conversations you will realize that we
have more in common than we think over
the last few years there have been
numerous examples of athletes who have
used their platform on behalf of those
who might not have had the same opinion
who might not have had the ability to
voice their opinions athletes have
voiced their opinions on issues that
concern our nation in the world and have
been able to create a discussion that
allows for everyone to participate a
great example was seen when Colin
Kaepernick decided to take a knee during
that journey the national anthem of an
NFL game the NFL protest and cabernet
have done what was once thought is
impossible they have brought social
issues to the mainstream through an
alternative route the playing field but
people this isn’t black or white there’s
no hero or feeling there is no right or
wrong I argue that this is just another
great example of why these genuine
conversations are necessary I believe
that if cabinet and his critics would
have had more discussions there probably
would have been more middle ground
cheese between those in favor of the
protest and those who are against these
actions but once again it’s bigger than
football and just like the ocean it’s
deeper than what’s seen at the surface
level and let me tell you why both
protests emphasize the importance of
having genuine conversations these
conversations are what are important for
society all those sports are
typically seen as a neutral area for
social issues historically sports have
played a pivotal role in creating a
discussion that allows for everyone to
participate athletes assume social
responsibility as part of a pattern of
great competitors who have used their
influence to voice the opinions on
behalf of those who might not have the
same power inspired by these actions I
had to look in the mirror I could do
more what wasn’t I doing and how can I
participate and contribute and do my
part these displays of protests are
prime examples of there being a broader
issue at stake the dialogue that has
emerged from cavern ik and similar
protests reveal the significance of a
socially responsible conversation but
these conversations aren’t just tailored
to athletes everyday people like you and
me can participate in social
responsibility and social awareness now
it doesn’t have to be on a grand scale
as what was seen with cabinet but it can
simply begin on a place like the
the first time I felt like an outsider
occurred in first grade on the
playground there after deep drowning the
rainy Foursquare champion
I became queen of the court one of my
following my conquest I was called the
n-word first grade and called it
anywhere the group appeared shocked and
I’ll be honest I was confused let me
explain why I was raised in a family
where we didn’t see color mind you at
the time my parents hadn’t felt the need
to sit down and talk to me about how the
pigmentation of my skin was going to
make it a lot harder in an already tough
world with that being said I did go to
an elementary where I was one of four
African Americans mind you my brother
went to school with me as well so we
but as a kid this didn’t cross my mind I
have it all I have my friends I had my
family I had my two dogs and I have
at the time I also had a twin and my
twin just happened to be my best friend
we have the same eyes we have the same
hair we like the same colors the same
sports we did everything together
and we look close to one another so to
us we had to be twins at the time at the
time I was confused I didn’t know what
that word meant but I could tell you
from the reactions of my peers that it
initially I was confused I wasn’t going
to tell anyone I wasn’t going to tell my
parents I was going to tell many
teachers I wasn’t even tell any of my
friends I wanted to keep it to myself
and I just thought it happened maybe if
I forget about it
it’ll go away but before I could even
make it through the day one of my
favorite teachers pulled me aside and
question after questions got it out of
me and at the end I scored after I told
my teacher my parents had to sit down
and have that conversation with me the
following day my after-school program
led a discussion and explained that
although we might look different we all
bleed the same and that would still have
more in common than we think it was the
first time I felt like an outsider but
the feeling persisted as I can older
being the fly in the milk at school on
sports teams or even in a room didn’t
bother me as much I realized that I
could find people with the same interest
values and
goals through genuine conversations
conversations can start with the simple
but important questions are you a cat or
dog prison east coast or west coast and
my personal favorite Warriors are cats
then when you’re more comfortable you
can shift to the nitty-gritty questions
the questions that really help you learn
about another person questions about
doubts ears dreams because through these
conversations you will see that we have
more in common than you think when we
create division among ourselves it makes
it harder for us to relate to one
another now if you’re sitting back
you’re wondering what’s the social
responsibility that is relevant to you
try this exercise close your eyes think
of the time when you felt like an
outsider now look at them whether we
acknowledge it or not we’ve all felt
like an outsider at one point in our
lives revisit that moment how did you
feel
did you have a discussion about it did
you tell anyone grandparents parents
friends or did you do what I did did you
hang your head and act like it hadn’t
happened whatever it is you can relate
to my experience with Greece when you
think of your example as an outsider I
won’t stand here and tell you that it’s
always been easy because if it was easy
everyone would do it
now as we know sometimes the things
worth having don’t
and as easily there have been times when
I’ve been able to speak up
on behalf of those who might not have
felt comfortable at that moment but just
like everyone in this room I can name a
few times when I wish I would’ve spoken
up and I hadn’t so you might take Taylor
you’re right
I thought I have genuine conversations
all the day but you know it’s awkward
it’s uncomfortable it’s time-consuming
it’s consuming you know it requires me
being vulnerable and let me clue you in
but athlete in me is here to give you a
pep time a halftime pep talk to help you
get over the initial hump and then the
rest can’t be scripted because the
beautiful thing about these
conversations is that it’s between you
and whomever you’re speaking with what
looked at one another and see the
uniqueness and every person the amazing
thing about this world is that there are
so many different people everyone has a
story but unfortunately you can’t fully
capture that story with a simple glance
but through genuine conversations you
could gain a clearer picture to try to
understand when it is best to speak and
when it is best to listen everyone has
been in that room when it was obvious
that someone was controlling a
conversation and on the flip side
everyone has been in the room when it
was evident that there was someone who
wasn’t providing an opportunity to voice
their concerns the thing about these
genuine conversations is that it’s a
two-way street you have to be willing
to give an take in order for everyone to
benefit and three now listen closely
having different opinions is okay you
can disagree and still have a meaningful
dialogue people we are not meant to be
the same I repeat we are not meant to be
the same and that is what makes life so
interesting because having these genuine
conversations not only help you learn
about on another but they help you learn
about yourself and that through this
experience that is where personal growth
happens at the end of the day you’ll
realize that if we should weigh the
walls the layers in the ethos W that are
so easy to build up we have more in
common than you think I challenge you to
go out and have a conversation you
typically wouldn’t have if you’re
interested in politics write to your
local lawmakers if you’re interested in
the environment
grab some people from your community and
go and do something or it could be as
simple as taking the time to stop and
have a conversation with someone at the
grocery store you typically wouldn’t
speak to whatever you choose to do go
back out there to the court of life and
use your beliefs to start a conversation
that matters have a conversation with
someone you typically wouldn’t speak to
and you will
amazed at the simple fact that you
probably have more in common than you
thought once you decide that you won’t
be silenced it not only affects you but
it empowers everyone around you you are
a competitor you are a human you have a
voice you have a power and you have a
responsibility
just like professional athletes you too
can take a stand
thank you [Applause]
that if you have a body you’re an
athlete and I’m a firm believer that as
a competitor
nothing beats from all the blood sweat
and tears payoff for the victory after
the long hours after the aches and pains
after the doubt you did it and succeeded
we’ve all can relate to this feeling of
triumph when you’ve worked long and hard
for something and you see the results
you want see what you may or may not
know is that athletes have a
responsibility and this responsibility
is far greater than any one more
memorable than any game and the legacy
unforgettable it’s more than a game and
athletes are in a position to be the
voice for those who might not have the
same power I believe that if you are a
human you have a voice you have a voice
with that voice you have a power with
that power comes a responsibility
because you never know when you can
inspire someone and that can be the
start of a ripple effect that turns me
to a catalyst for change but before we
dive into this any further ladies and
gentlemen I want you to get comfortable
because I’m gonna ask you to be honest
with yourself when was the last time you
had a genuine conversation now you might
sit back and say Taylor I have genuine
conversations all the time and hey you
might but the conversations that I’m
talking about include more than just the
simple highs by is how are you busy
school is crazy did you guess what my
teacher they need this great no I’m
talking about when was the last time you
let another person know that
hey I see you I hear you and you know I
might not understand you but I’m willing
to take the time to listen with this
voice you have the power to create a
dialogue that matters and through these
conversations you will realize that we
have more in common than we think over
the last few years there have been
numerous examples of athletes who have
used their platform on behalf of those
who might not have had the same opinion
who might not have had the ability to
voice their opinions athletes have
voiced their opinions on issues that
concern our nation in the world and have
been able to create a discussion that
allows for everyone to participate a
great example was seen when Colin
Kaepernick decided to take a knee during
that journey the national anthem of an
NFL game the NFL protest and cabernet
have done what was once thought is
impossible they have brought social
issues to the mainstream through an
alternative route the playing field but
people this isn’t black or white there’s
no hero or feeling there is no right or
wrong I argue that this is just another
great example of why these genuine
conversations are necessary I believe
that if cabinet and his critics would
have had more discussions there probably
would have been more middle ground
cheese between those in favor of the
protest and those who are against these
actions but once again it’s bigger than
football and just like the ocean it’s
deeper than what’s seen at the surface
level and let me tell you why both
protests emphasize the importance of
having genuine conversations these
conversations are what are important for
society all those sports are
typically seen as a neutral area for
social issues historically sports have
played a pivotal role in creating a
discussion that allows for everyone to
participate athletes assume social
responsibility as part of a pattern of
great competitors who have used their
influence to voice the opinions on
behalf of those who might not have the
same power inspired by these actions I
had to look in the mirror I could do
more what wasn’t I doing and how can I
participate and contribute and do my
part these displays of protests are
prime examples of there being a broader
issue at stake the dialogue that has
emerged from cavern ik and similar
protests reveal the significance of a
socially responsible conversation but
these conversations aren’t just tailored
to athletes everyday people like you and
me can participate in social
responsibility and social awareness now
it doesn’t have to be on a grand scale
as what was seen with cabinet but it can
simply begin on a place like the
the first time I felt like an outsider
occurred in first grade on the
playground there after deep drowning the
rainy Foursquare champion
I became queen of the court one of my
following my conquest I was called the
n-word first grade and called it
anywhere the group appeared shocked and
I’ll be honest I was confused let me
explain why I was raised in a family
where we didn’t see color mind you at
the time my parents hadn’t felt the need
to sit down and talk to me about how the
pigmentation of my skin was going to
make it a lot harder in an already tough
world with that being said I did go to
an elementary where I was one of four
African Americans mind you my brother
went to school with me as well so we
but as a kid this didn’t cross my mind I
have it all I have my friends I had my
family I had my two dogs and I have
at the time I also had a twin and my
twin just happened to be my best friend
we have the same eyes we have the same
hair we like the same colors the same
sports we did everything together
and we look close to one another so to
us we had to be twins at the time at the
time I was confused I didn’t know what
that word meant but I could tell you
from the reactions of my peers that it
initially I was confused I wasn’t going
to tell anyone I wasn’t going to tell my
parents I was going to tell many
teachers I wasn’t even tell any of my
friends I wanted to keep it to myself
and I just thought it happened maybe if
I forget about it
it’ll go away but before I could even
make it through the day one of my
favorite teachers pulled me aside and
question after questions got it out of
me and at the end I scored after I told
my teacher my parents had to sit down
and have that conversation with me the
following day my after-school program
led a discussion and explained that
although we might look different we all
bleed the same and that would still have
more in common than we think it was the
first time I felt like an outsider but
the feeling persisted as I can older
being the fly in the milk at school on
sports teams or even in a room didn’t
bother me as much I realized that I
could find people with the same interest
values and
goals through genuine conversations
conversations can start with the simple
but important questions are you a cat or
dog prison east coast or west coast and
my personal favorite Warriors are cats
then when you’re more comfortable you
can shift to the nitty-gritty questions
the questions that really help you learn
about another person questions about
doubts ears dreams because through these
conversations you will see that we have
more in common than you think when we
create division among ourselves it makes
it harder for us to relate to one
another now if you’re sitting back
you’re wondering what’s the social
responsibility that is relevant to you
try this exercise close your eyes think
of the time when you felt like an
outsider now look at them whether we
acknowledge it or not we’ve all felt
like an outsider at one point in our
lives revisit that moment how did you
feel
did you have a discussion about it did
you tell anyone grandparents parents
friends or did you do what I did did you
hang your head and act like it hadn’t
happened whatever it is you can relate
to my experience with Greece when you
think of your example as an outsider I
won’t stand here and tell you that it’s
always been easy because if it was easy
everyone would do it
now as we know sometimes the things
worth having don’t
and as easily there have been times when
I’ve been able to speak up
on behalf of those who might not have
felt comfortable at that moment but just
like everyone in this room I can name a
few times when I wish I would’ve spoken
up and I hadn’t so you might take Taylor
you’re right
I thought I have genuine conversations
all the day but you know it’s awkward
it’s uncomfortable it’s time-consuming
it’s consuming you know it requires me
being vulnerable and let me clue you in
but athlete in me is here to give you a
pep time a halftime pep talk to help you
get over the initial hump and then the
rest can’t be scripted because the
beautiful thing about these
conversations is that it’s between you
and whomever you’re speaking with what
looked at one another and see the
uniqueness and every person the amazing
thing about this world is that there are
so many different people everyone has a
story but unfortunately you can’t fully
capture that story with a simple glance
but through genuine conversations you
could gain a clearer picture to try to
understand when it is best to speak and
when it is best to listen everyone has
been in that room when it was obvious
that someone was controlling a
conversation and on the flip side
everyone has been in the room when it
was evident that there was someone who
wasn’t providing an opportunity to voice
their concerns the thing about these
genuine conversations is that it’s a
two-way street you have to be willing
to give an take in order for everyone to
benefit and three now listen closely
having different opinions is okay you
can disagree and still have a meaningful
dialogue people we are not meant to be
the same I repeat we are not meant to be
the same and that is what makes life so
interesting because having these genuine
conversations not only help you learn
about on another but they help you learn
about yourself and that through this
experience that is where personal growth
happens at the end of the day you’ll
realize that if we should weigh the
walls the layers in the ethos W that are
so easy to build up we have more in
common than you think I challenge you to
go out and have a conversation you
typically wouldn’t have if you’re
interested in politics write to your
local lawmakers if you’re interested in
the environment
grab some people from your community and
go and do something or it could be as
simple as taking the time to stop and
have a conversation with someone at the
grocery store you typically wouldn’t
speak to whatever you choose to do go
back out there to the court of life and
use your beliefs to start a conversation
that matters have a conversation with
someone you typically wouldn’t speak to
and you will
amazed at the simple fact that you
probably have more in common than you
thought once you decide that you won’t
be silenced it not only affects you but
it empowers everyone around you you are
a competitor you are a human you have a
voice you have a power and you have a
responsibility
just like professional athletes you too
can take a stand
thank you [Applause]
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