Former Syracuse University and NBA star Etan Thomas has always been much more than a basketball player. His thoughtful activism is evident in these interviews with other activist athletes. This is a must-read book for athletes, activists, and those who would like to be both.

I've been a fan of Etan Thomas' since he was playing at Syracuse and I'm glad that he took it upon himself to explore this issue and compile a solid set of representative interviews. I like to think that Thomas was able to ask certain questions and hear certain things from his interviewees because of his status as a "(fellow) athlete." He has done a nice job of grouping/organizing the interviews and covering many aspects of the current "protest environments" from different angles. That he talks to coaches, family members of victims, former athletes, current athletes, reporters, etc. provides a pretty comprehensive introduction to the topic (and I do think --and hope-- that this is but an introduction to a much larger opportunity for study).

The interview format can, however, become a little tedious. I really enjoyed his introductions to the chapters and interviews so I suspect I would've enjoyed the book more if Thomas had, instead of presenting the conversations in interview format, summarized the interviews and included/embedded quotes.

This is a timely book that I will keep on my shelf if for no other reason that it documents a crucial moment. I would definitely and highly recommend it. ( )

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers:

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Eaton Thomas has worked hard to get the message out to the world through various outlets over time. The message of tragedy, disparity, and much needed change. From his early work, to the present work, Eaton Thomas has remained committed to promoting well-being and equal rights along his journey throughout his basket ball career.

With the surge of racially motivated killings (and that is what they are) occurring across the United States, the debate has been once again elevated to the fore front. And amplified by professional athletes who are using social media outlets to tell the world of the inherent biases which result in unjustified killings/beatings.

In “We Matter” – Eaton takes us through an array of stories which have formed the base on which the current movement stands. An amazing collection of heart felt and inspiring stories of professional athletes and their journey to promote injustices from their platform. Breaking down the misconceptions of money and pride, these athletes along with organizations are standing up and pointing out a real issue which has been present all along but is now being recognized as an issue which is not dying down anytime in the future.

That issue is that we each have inherent biases built into us. These biases result in racial discrimination and injustices which lead to violence and unwanted prison terms. I would love to see this book be a ‘required reading’ for every freshman in high school or college. I have a strong urge to give away the story contained in these interviews. But instead, I will state the obvious. Reading Eaton Thomas’s book has changed (forever changed) my life. I will add to my advocacy list the injustices spoken about in the book.

Eaton, you did an amazing job in this book. You are an inspiration to me along with my family members. Keep up the great work. Keep on learning and teaching us how to learn to change our lives for the better. Until the nation wakes up and realizes that black people are treated differently, there can be no change. Through reading this book, I have become much more informed and look forward to helping out straighten the injustices out. Thank you Eaton for a wonderful and enlightening book. A job well done Sir. ( )

We Matter: Athletes and Activism by Etan Thomas is a collection of thoughts and interviews on athlete activism and also the issues that they have to be vocal about. Thomas, a former NBA player, speaks of his own education and mentoring and how it led to his ability to speak out when things in life were unfair or unjust. He covers everything from the Black Lives Matter movement to education to the unique barriers facing Black girls and women.

This isn't normally the kind of book I pick up because of the strong emotions involved but, as a big fan of the NBA (I'm actually watching a Lakers game right this moment) and with the recent crappy talking-head comments about how LeBron James should just "shut up and dribble", it seemed like this was meant to be in my hands right now. And I really ... well, enjoyed is not the word is it when you're talking about systematic racism and police brutality and other such topics ... appreciated the chance to learn and think and explore with Etan Thomas. The variety of people he chose to interview was helpful to presenting a well-rounded discussion and I enjoyed hearing from individuals that I "know". Still, there is not really any barrier to this book also being accessible to readers who are not sports fans.

The first few interviews were very tough to read, those with the siblings or children of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Terence Crutcher, and Philando Castile. These are all unarguably some of the most heinous, pointless murders of innocent people in recent history. To think of the losses from the points-of-view of the family is heartbreaking. It was also the perfect way to start the conversation about the ability of athletes to speak out about these sadly unpunished crimes in their hometowns or cities of play, whether by wearing hoodies or "I Can't Breathe" tee shirts or by participating in marches and panel discussions. I appreciated how Thomas spoke to athletes and coaches/CEOs from the NBA, WNBA, and NFL because each league has different audiences and different levels of receptiveness.

One thing that really resonated and stayed with me was when Thomas would talk about raising his own children and the children he coaches in basketball. I had to re-acknowledge over and over how privileged I have been to be able to keep my white son sheltered for so much longer in life than Thomas was allowed to do with his Black children. My heart broke at the young ages at which he already had to be talking to them about interacting with the police and other authority figures. This is something I can't ever afford to put to the back of my mind.

Finally, I really came to understand how "Black History" is not just about Washington Carver and Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. It is about everything that happened up until yesterday. It is the entire span of time and actions that determine the life (and, sadly, death) of each Black person today. It is being aware of the contributions, challenges, and needs of a community that still must fight to be integrated into the country that they helped build. We each need to take a part in keeping these issues in current discussions and we should thank the athletes who sometimes risk their entire careers to do just that.

http://webereading.com/2018/02/new-release-we-matter-athletes-and.html ( )

Thomas speaks with 50 athletes, media personnel, and others about using their position to advocate for change. The interviews stand independently; they don't need to be read in order, they are easy to read, and it's clear that the interviewer and speakers have put some thought into their comments. The author intersperses his own opinions and life stories, for example, what he teaches his children. The book definitely lives up to its claim to "be an inspiration for many different people: sports junkies; young readers who need words of encouragement from their favorite athletes; parents seeking positive messages for their children; activists who want to hear athletes using their voices to address social justice." ( )