By refusing to visit the White House, Martellus Bennett, Devin McCourty, Dont’a Hightower, and Chris Long are making a bold rebuke of a racist, misogynist, and unqualified President who is hellbent on destroying our already marginalized communities and snatching human rights away from anyone who is not rich, white, and male.

And this bold stance shouldn’t be taken lightly. These players stood up for justice and equity and against racism and misogyny--possibly jeopardizing their relationships with both their teammate, Tom Brady and team owner, Bob Kraft who are both close friends of Donald Trump. With so many famous athletes and artists bending over backward in order to curry favor with Donald Trump, we must celebrate the public figures who resist access to power in order to stand with our communities.

These athletes are American heroes who had the courage to use the world stage to demand that America live up to our ideals of liberty and justice for all.

Tell New England Patriots, Martellus Bennett, Devin McCourty, Dont’a Hightower, and Chris Long “Thank You!” for standing up for our communities.