CLEVELAND — Our nation is at a turning point where many are beginning to take a hard look at racism in America.
The death of George Floyd, a black man killed at the hand of a Minnesota Police officer on May 25, reignited a flame in the fight against not just police brutality, but all forms of racial injustice.
Since that day in May, countless protests and demonstrations have taken place, but many are now asking, "What's next, how do we move forward?"
At 3News we stand against racism and discrimination. Together, we stand for what is right. With that in mind, we hope to continue the conversation towards change with an ongoing series, "A Turning Point."
3News' Lynna Lai joined Jim Donovan as we continue to take a look at racism here in Northeast Ohio. In this month's series, we highlighted how sports is playing a role in this social justice movement.
Whether it be by taking a knee, protesting in the streets, posting on social media, or even considering a name change like the Indians are sports is playing a major role in America's reckoning with racism.
Athletes use platforms to inspire change
Sports is back after being placed on hold, while we as nation began the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. However, when the NBA season resumed both the court and the attire looked much differently.
Black Lives Matter is printed on the hardwood. Players and coaches are wearing supportive jerseys and t-shirts. But this change doesn't stop with Men's basketball. The WBNA is honoring the life of Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by police officers while inside of her Louisville, Kentucky home.
3News Tiffany Tarpley took a look at how there is a renewed push toward social justice in sports.
She also co-hosted a round table discussion featuring local sports leaders.
Man behind the Cavs' community success
While the season is over for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the organization is doing its part to fight for racial equality.
3News' Russ Mitchell spoke with the Cavs Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Kevin Clayton. He is in charge of helping combat the issues of inequality facing not just the team, but the Northeast Ohio community as a whole.
"These are our values that we have stood for since the beginning of time, since the Cavs began in 1970 in the NBA. We then developed a series of things we wanted to do," Clayton said.
Clayton credits his boss, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert for creating a culture committed to making sure the team remains in the forefront of social justice.
Indians consider changing team name
The Indians organization is considering a name change.
Owner Paul Dolan said they will meet with Native American groups -- as well as other civic leaders to determine the best path forward for the franchise.
The Indians removed the Chief Wahoo logo after the 2018 season.
3News' Brandon Simmons took a look at the history of the Indians' name, and where things stand now.
Local schools consider mascot and logo changes
The Indians isn't the only team in town considering a name change. Some Northeast Ohio schools have started the discussions of changing their names as well as their logos.
Community members have had a chance to voice their concerns regarding the mascot and logo for Parma Senior High School. Since 1936, they have been the "Redmen."
In Berea, the logo for Berea Midpark High School is changing following complaints that it resembles the white power symbol.
3News' Lynna Lai took a look at the reckoning facing local high schools' mascots and logos.
Remembering the 1967 Cleveland Summit
The 1960s was a time of significant change. The Civil Rights Movement. The press for rights. Also racial turmoil in the cities; Cleveland among them. And a widening highly-controversial war in Vietnam. The decade was a turning point in the United States.
In 1967, Browns' great Jim Brown convened a meeting of prominent black sports figures. They questioned boxing champion Muhammad Ali on his denial of a deal offered by the federal government after it had stripped him of his boxing title for refusing the military draft.
3News' Leon Bibb had the story of the 1967 Cleveland Summit.
LeBron James building bigger legacy off the court
We have been very fortunate to watch LeBron James grow up right before our eyes. From St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to the N-B-A -- on the court, LeBron has turned into one of the greatest players of all-time
But off the court, he's matured and become a voice for people -- and he's helping kids with his 'I Promise' school. 3News' Jim Donovan took a look at how the son of Akron is influencing change in a positive way.
The third installment of the series will air Thursday, August 6 at 7 p.m. on Channel 3.