Najee Goode, a linebacker on the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, is one of 27 current and former athletes visiting Morehouse College in Atlanta this week for a three-day workshop on how they can address social-justice issues in their communities.
The workshop was created after last year’s national debate over the appropriateness of some National Football League players who took a knee during the national anthem to raise awareness to social-justice issues, such as police misconduct.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution interviewed Goode Thursday during the workshop. Here are excerpts.
Q: What did you expect coming to this workshop?
A: I expected something similar to this, but I didn't expect the questions of advocacy versus activism and I didn't expect this much critical thinking and dialogue into what that is or what the problem is.
Q: There are a lot of people who were upset to see players demonstrating on the field. What do you say to people who may not understand some of the issues and concerns that you all have?
A: I would say for those who don't understand why (former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem) was doing it ... I would say instead of getting at the problem of what he created to you, understand the problem of what got us to this situation. And if you're mad at Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem, tell him to stand up and ask him 'What's wrong?'
Q: Is there a way you think you can have a direct conversation with folks who disagree with your viewpoint?
A: Yes. I think that through one way or another, that whether (Kaepernick) or a group like the player coalition can voice their opinion, I think that they need to do it. They can't separate themselves too far from the public because then the public doesn't relate. If they don't relate, they don't understand, then nothing gets accomplished. I think it can be easily done whether it be a forum or a conference ... If you want to change how somebody feels or you want them to understand how you feel, you have to say it and you have to be willing to hear what they have to say.
Q: What do you hope to bring back (from this workshop)?
A: My father is the president and owner of a Pop Warner community league in Cleveland ... I want to bring back resources to those kids that they shouldn't have to worry about so they can actually use their minds to propel themselves into the future. If I'm able to give that to them and take something away from them that they don't have to think about, and they can use their minds and their creativity, then that's taking a step in the right direction. But that's not where I want to end.
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