‘We have to get this right’: Michael Jordan, Roy Williams join former Tar Heels in condemning racism

It led with Roy Williams and closed with Michael Jordan.

In a nearly three-minute video posted Monday evening on the official North Carolina basketball Twitter account, Williams and Jordan joined a crowd of former Tar Heels in condemning racism.

"Systematic racism has to stop now," Jordan said in the video.

"We must take the time to listen and educate our family, our friends, our children on social injustice and racial equality. Black Lives Matter more now than ever before. We have to get this right, so please take time to educate yourself and improve the lives of many people, many Black people. Thank you."

The video starts with Williams recounting the influence of legendary coach Dean Smith, who in 1966 recruited and signed Charlie Scott, the first African American scholarship athlete in the school's history.

"Some of the greatest to play our game have been Black players, but here we are more than 50 years later and our country is still fighting systemic racism and police brutality against Black men and women," said Williams, who has led UNC to three national titles in his 17 seasons as head coach.

"The North Carolina basketball program, our family, our current and former players believe Black Lives Matter, and it's critically important that we don't just believe it. We must stand together and loudly and clearly demand that we as a country and the world embrace the fundamental human right that Black Lives Matter."

Between Williams and Jordan, more than 20 players representing each of UNC’s national title teams in 1957, 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009 and 2017 delivered their thoughts on the fight against racism as people throughout the nation continue to protest social injustice and police brutality.

Tommy Kearns and Lennie Rosenbluth were among them. The duo helped UNC claim its first NCAA crown in 1957 against Kansas.

“Now is the time to listen, learn and advocate for change,” Kearns said.

In addition to Jordan, Jimmy Black, Sam Perkins and James Worthy spoke on behalf of the ‘82 squad, which beat Georgetown for Smith’s first title. Perkins and Danny Green, a member of the ‘09 title team, urged everyone to vote.

Eric Montross, Donald Williams and George Lynch gave their thoughts as members of the ‘93 team, which topped Michigan’s “Fab Five” squad in 1993. Lynch called to eliminate police brutality and Montross said “racism is never acceptable.”

“We must demand that racism be eliminated now,” Donald Williams added.

Representing Roy Williams’ first national championship team in 2005 were Raymond Felton, Sean May, Marvin Williams, Jawad Williams and Wes Miller.

“Justice for all is not a political issue,” Felton said. “It’s a human right.”

Miller, the head coach at UNC Greensboro, said “we can’t be silent any longer.”

“Speak out about what is happening in our country,” May added.

Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Tyler Hansbrough and Green also were featured as players on the ‘09 team. Justin Jackson, Theo Pinson and Luke Maye spoke as members of the 2017 squad, Roy Williams’ third to win a title.

Maye, Pinson and Jackson said it’s time to “speak out.”

“Diversity is the backbone of a great country,” Lawson said.

College coaches throughout the nation have joined the conversation about equality. In a video released on June 26, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski discussed the need to address systemic racism and social injustice.

With more than 3.3 million views on the team’s official Twitter account, Duke said it’s the most-viewed video since the page was created in 2008.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.