Klay Thompson expresses displeasure with Trump administration; will use his foundation to raise money for relief efforts in hurricane battered Bahamas
On September 1, the eye of Hurricane Dorian began to cast on Abaco Island. It’s sustained winds made the hurricane the strongest on record to hit the Bahamas. On September 2, the eye of Dorian moved over to the eastern end of Grand Bahama Island, drifting across the island. Hurricane Dorian's death toll in the Bahamas climbed to 50 on Monday as 1,300 others remain unaccounted for.
The Bahamas is home to approximately 30,000 American residents. In addition, there are about 110 U.S.-related businesses in The Bahamas and, in 2005, 87% of the 5 million tourists visiting The Bahamas were American. The United States and The Bahamas also actively cooperate on law enforcement, civil aviation, marine research, meteorology, and agricultural issues. The U.S. Navy operates an underwater research facility on Andros Island.
Despite the good standing relationship between the Bahamas and the United States, the US government issued a statement saying that there will be no Temporary Protected Status for people from the Bahamas whose islands were devastated by Dorian.
Both sides of the aisle have opinions on the matter-- which is typical in today’s world. It’s common to go on Instagram or Twitter, and see political rants from all sides. What isn’t an everyday occurrence-- and not easy-- is putting money where your heart is. That is what Klay Thompson decided to do for Friday the 13th.
The Thompson Family Foundation is raising money for relief efforts in the island nation, he announced in an Instagram post Friday. Dorian devastated the northern islands -- killing over 40 people and leaving over a thousand more missing. The organization will be hosting their second annual golf tournament and announced, via Instagram, that 100% of the proceeds will be going to relief efforts throughout the Bahamas.
Thompson took to Instagram to share his foundation's plans and his thoughts on the matter.
“These past few weeks have been so unimaginably hard for Bahamians, especially on the islands of Abaco and Freeport. People have lost everything- loved ones, family, possessions, homes. Whatever you cherish it’s gone for these communities. This is far from a quick fix, it will take years and years of rebuilding. The @thompsonfamilyfoundation will do everything in its power to help with relief efforts right now and for many years to come. All contributions no matter how big or small will go long way and are greatly appreciated.
Secondly, shame on our current administration for not welcoming our Bahamian neighbors in their greatest time of need. I’ve been so lucky to visit my family in Nassau since childhood, and in those times I’ve seen countless Americans use the Bahamian islands as their playground for letting loose and vacationing. And now we turn our back on the people who welcomed us with open arms, when they’ve lost everything !? There’s no excuse for this... and if you have one your a real piece of (sh**).
Bahamians will persevere, but help along the way is greatly appreciated. Thank you”
Thompson isn’t stopping there. He also said that his foundation would match however much money is raised through the golf tournament. Thompson’s father is Bahamian, and he said he's been lucky to be able to visit his family in Nassau since he was a child.
Thompson is not the first Warrior to speak out against the decisions of the current administration. The team, led by Stephen Curry, elected not to visit the White House in 2017-- sparking back and forths on Twitter between President Trump, Draymond Green, and Lebron James (on Curry’s behalf).
Curry explained the decision, saying that he doesn’t stand for what the current administration stands for.
“We don't stand for basically what our President has – the things that he's said and the things that he hasn't said in the right times, that we won't stand for it,” Curry said. “And by acting and not going, hopefully that will inspire some change when it comes to what we tolerate in this country and what is accepted and what we turn a blind eye to. It's not just the act of not going there. There are things you have to do on the back end to actually push that message into motion. (Athletes are) all trying to do what we can. We're using our platforms, using our opportunities to shed light on that, so that's kind of where I stand on it. I don't think us not going to the White House is going to miraculously make everything better, but this is my opportunity to voice that."
When you use a platform for good, you end up standing on the right side of history.
Thompson, just like his teammates and executives, has undoubtedly done so.