Panthers Offer Hope In Wake of Charlotte Protest

As the Carolina Panthers take the field, more than just football will be on the minds of many…

On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers will take the field to a sea of black, blue, and white amidst a spattering of purple as they take on the Minnesota Vikings. The Keep Pounding drum will be thumped with enthusiasm and serve as a reminder to players that no matter the odds, no matter the score, to keep playing with the same energy and grit as the opening kickoff.

It’ll also serve as a reminder for the Queen City that despite the events having transpired over the week, the city will always be a pinnacle for arts, music, and entertainment on the eastern seaboard. Despite the violent protests over police brutality and the shooting of Charlotte native Keith Lamont Scott, the city will continue providing southern hospitality to those from all over the world.

Sept 22, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; A protestor pins a flower on an officer in Charlotte. Mandatory Credit: Lauren Petracca/Naples Daily News via USA TODAY Network

On Sunday, the Panthers hope to provide an escape for the citizens of Charlotte. Even if for three hours, attention will turn to Bank of America Stadium. Bars across town will be heavily patronized, tailgating essentials will be picked up at local grocery stores, and religious individuals will attend church at their local congregation before coming home and flipping on the TV, ready to set their fantasy lineups.

It will seem as if life has returned to normal, though given how long civil unrest in other cases lasted, it certainly will have not.

“It’s pretty sad and disheartening to think that this is going on right here in Charlotte,” said linebacker Thomas Davis.

“To institute change, you’ve got to have some serious politics involved. The biggest and strongest thing you can do is vote. Get politically involved. Make a difference. Do it the right way,” added head coach Ron Rivera.

So what can the Carolina Panthers do on Sunday to help alleviate the problems that now face Charlotte?

Be united, play hard, and give the fans something to cheer about. Added pressure as it may be, it is important that in this week more than ever, the Panthers leave it all out on the field.

Panther players also are portraying the correct message to the public, by projecting empathy while also asking for all involved to be held accountable, those like quarterback Cam Newton are sending a message to those involved.

“I’m an African-American and I’m not happy how the justice has been dealt with over the years, and the state of oppression in our community, but we also as black people have to do right by ourselves,” Newton said, “We can’t be hypocrites.”

Newton has a heavy influence not only in Queen City but in the African American community. Flair, style, and excellence in his craft have gained him status that is rightfully deserved. Despite being under an omnipresent microscope, Newton delivered candid thoughts on the Charlotte situation and will need to continue offering wisdom to the local community.

Davis closed his press conference on Sunday with a final reflection, an acknowledgment to the people of Charlotte, a city he himself calls home.

“I know what I saw on TV last night is not us. That’s not Charlotte. That’s not this community.”

While Wednesday said otherwise, Davis and all Panthers continue to offer a beacon of hope for a city currently in a dark place.