Watch: Michael Holding Gives An Overpowering Speech Condemning Racism

Former West Indian paceman Michael Holding has opened up on one of the most trending issues of late, racism. Michael Holding candidly spoke on the same and the topic of #BlackLivesMatter to the host of the Sky Sports, Ian Ward. The world has come together to oppose racial discrimination vigorously as it gained steam from the assassination of George Floyd in May, a black man in the United States. Both the English and West Indian team also came together before beginning play of the first Test in Southampton and stood on one knee to pledge their support for the movement.

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All the players have also sported the logo of #BlackLivesMatter on their collars. Ever since the news of the incident in the United States spread like wildfire, several cricketers have come out, revealing their experience with racial abuse. Prominent names like Phil Simmons, Darren Sammy, Tino Best, Kumar Sangakkara, and Michael Carberry are amongst those who have not only narrated their encounters with racism but also strongly opposed it.

Michael Holding cited that education is the need of the hour unless one only wants to continue living the life the usual way. West Indies’ coach Phil Simmons revealed having faced racial abuse while playing league cricket in England while Tino Best refused to play in England under any condition.

“Education is important, unless we just want to continue living the life that we are living and continue having demonstrations every now and then and a few people saying a few things,”

By education, Holding meant that one needs to go back to history, 100 years ago when differentiation against began against the black race. While people might advise moving on, the former pace bowler conceded that it is challenging to forget it.

“When I say education I say going back in history. What people need to understand is that these things stem from a long time ago, hundreds of years ago. The dehumanisation of the black race is where it started. People will tell you that ‘oh it’s a long time ago, get over it’. No, you don’t get over things like that,” Michael Holding stated.

“We have been brainwashed” : Michael Holding

The Jamaican went on to bring religion into play and how it has moulded everyone’s minds. The cricketer-turned commentator said that people have described Lord Jesus in a specific way, communicating how perfection looks like.

“As a young man I didn’t understand what brainwashing is, now I do. We have been brainwashed. Even white people have been brainwashed,”

“I go back many years, think about religion. You and I both are Christians….look at Jesus Christ. The image that they give of Jesus Christ, pale skin, blonde hair, blue eyes. Where Jesus came from, who in that part of the world looks that way? Again that is brainwashing, this is to show, ‘look this is what perfection is, this is what the image of perfection is,”

The 66-year old added that since Judas, who was the black man, was the one betraying Jesus. Hence, people have developed bias in ther minds, owing to the same.

“If you look at the plays of those days. Judas, who betrayed Jesus, is a black man. Again brainwashing people to think, ‘oh he is a black man, he is the bad man,” he added further.

"Until we educate the entire human race, this thing will not stop."

Michael Holding delivers a powerful message, explaining why #BlackLivesMatter. pic.twitter.com/2jiATkOqQ4

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2020