Dr. Shonta Smith @DrShontaSmith
Answers 4 Questions About the NFL and Jay-Z's Partnership
@DrShontaSmith
Dr. Michael Robinson: What are your thoughts about the NFL and Jay-Z’s partnership?
Shonta Smith: Everyone has something to say about Jay Z & Roc Nation's partnership with the NFL. My question to everyone is if not now when? Where do we go from here? What do we need to do to move forward? How will we empower the disenfranchised? And, what are you currently doing to better the situation? It is easy to talk. The key is action. At some point, you have to move past talking about the problem. We all know what the problem is. If you are not doing something to resolve the issue, you, in essence, are part of the problem. There is no middle ground. You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. It appears that Jay Z decided it was time to move to A.C.T.I.O.N. actively critiquing transgressions implementing outcomes now.
You may not agree with his decision and that is fine. At the end of the day, it was his decision to make. You now have a decision to make. Will you continue discussing whether you agree or disagree with Jay-Z. Are or you going to stop talking about it and be about it be. Change starts with you. Get your own house in order. When you see and or experience social injustices do something. I can't tell you what that something is, because each individual has to come to terms with what they are willing to do. I can tell you this Jay-Z is seating at the table. He has positioned himself for the next move. He is using his platform, experience, expertise, and power of influence to push us forward. My recommendation is you pay attention to this game of chess because it is a good one.
Dr. Michael Robinson: Do you think Jay-Z was right when he said we have moved past kneeling?
Shonta Smith: It depends on where you are yourself in the kneeling process. Are you at the beginning phase, middle phase, or the end phase where you get up, stand up, and move to the next level in the process. The movement (kneeling/boycotting) is a process and if you stay in one phase of the process for too long you impede change, which essentially, delays the process.
Dr. Michael Robinson: And to want extent do you think now that Jay-Z is in partnership with the NFL more entertainers will end their personal boycott and participate in events such as the half-time show of the Super Bowl?
Shonta Smith: The extent to which entertainers participate in events such as the Half-Time show of the Super Bowl can go either way. Artists that see Jay-Z's move as progression will be more willing to participate. .
Dr. Michael Robinson: Finally, does this allow the NFL to move away from the Colin Kaepernick conversation?
Shonta Smith: The NFL moved away from the Colin Kaepernick conversation long ago. Their partnership with Jay-Z & Roc Nation demonstrates they understand the impact the boycott has on the league's bottom line.
Shonta Smith: Everyone has something to say about Jay Z & Roc Nation's partnership with the NFL. My question to everyone is if not now when? Where do we go from here? What do we need to do to move forward? How will we empower the disenfranchised? And, what are you currently doing to better the situation? It is easy to talk. The key is action. At some point, you have to move past talking about the problem. We all know what the problem is. If you are not doing something to resolve the issue, you, in essence, are part of the problem. There is no middle ground. You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. It appears that Jay Z decided it was time to move to A.C.T.I.O.N. actively critiquing transgressions implementing outcomes now.
You may not agree with his decision and that is fine. At the end of the day, it was his decision to make. You now have a decision to make. Will you continue discussing whether you agree or disagree with Jay-Z. Are or you going to stop talking about it and be about it be. Change starts with you. Get your own house in order. When you see and or experience social injustices do something. I can't tell you what that something is, because each individual has to come to terms with what they are willing to do. I can tell you this Jay-Z is seating at the table. He has positioned himself for the next move. He is using his platform, experience, expertise, and power of influence to push us forward. My recommendation is you pay attention to this game of chess because it is a good one.
Dr. Michael Robinson: Do you think Jay-Z was right when he said we have moved past kneeling?
Shonta Smith: It depends on where you are yourself in the kneeling process. Are you at the beginning phase, middle phase, or the end phase where you get up, stand up, and move to the next level in the process. The movement (kneeling/boycotting) is a process and if you stay in one phase of the process for too long you impede change, which essentially, delays the process.
Dr. Michael Robinson: And to want extent do you think now that Jay-Z is in partnership with the NFL more entertainers will end their personal boycott and participate in events such as the half-time show of the Super Bowl?
Shonta Smith: The extent to which entertainers participate in events such as the Half-Time show of the Super Bowl can go either way. Artists that see Jay-Z's move as progression will be more willing to participate. .
Dr. Michael Robinson: Finally, does this allow the NFL to move away from the Colin Kaepernick conversation?
Shonta Smith: The NFL moved away from the Colin Kaepernick conversation long ago. Their partnership with Jay-Z & Roc Nation demonstrates they understand the impact the boycott has on the league's bottom line.