During the national anthem at the Orlando Magic vs. Brooklyn Nets game, Jonathan Isaac, a Magic forward and ordained minister, stood out by not taking a knee or wearing a “Black Lives Matter” shirt like his teammates.
His decision, which was discussed with his teammates beforehand, surprised some but aligned with his beliefs and values.
Isaac emphasized that he supports the importance of black lives but chose not to symbolize it through kneeling or wearing a specific shirt. He sees supporting black lives as personal and not tied to specific actions.
Rooted in his faith in Jesus Christ, Isaac believes that everyone is created in God’s image and that focusing on the gospel can transcend racial divisions. He emphasizes the need for repentance and humility, believing that only through a relationship with God can true unity be achieved.
Isaac asserts that addressing racism and other issues requires more than symbolic gestures like kneeling or wearing shirts. He believes that true support for black lives comes through the gospel, which fosters repentance, humility, and a deeper understanding of each other’s humanity. Ultimately, Isaac sees this approach as the path to genuine unity, regardless of skin color or other differences.
