The Philadelphia Eagles won the 2018 Super Bowl but according to the New York Times, fewer than 10 players planned to attend the customary trip to the White House. In an effort to turn the tables on the boycott, President Donald Trump disinvited the Eagles and claimed it was because the team disagreed with standing during the National Anthem, disregarding the fact that every player on the team stood during the season and did not join Colin Kaepernick's protest.
During a presser on Wednesday (Jun 6), Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins delivered a powerful message without saying a word. Surrounded by reporters, Jenkins stood silent while holding up handwritten signs for everyone to see.
“More than 60% of people in prison are people of color,” read the sign Jenkins held while standing in front of his locker. Then, as reporters asked him questions, to which he continued to remain silent, he held up another sign saying, “Nearly 200,000 juveniles enter the adult criminal system each year, most for non-violent crimes.”
Reporters continued to press Jenkins, asking if he wasn't going to speak and was "just gonna use these posters."
Jenkins again did not respond, instead, he held up a sign reading, “you aren’t listening.”
When asked "what aren't we listening to," Jenkins held up another sign.
“In 2018, 439 people shot and killed by police” which highlighted the racial disparity of police shootings, as well as a sign declaring on “any given night” 500,000 people sit in jail not because they are convicted but because they are poor.
He also held up a sign that contained the names of prominent NFL social justice advocates including Anquan Boldin, Doug Baldwin, Chris Long and more; calling them "True Patriots," as well as subsequent signs explaining steps those players have taken to make a difference.
Later on, Jenkins posted all his signs on Twitter with the caption, "You Aren’t Listening!"
