Bruins' Zdeno Chara writes heartfelt statement after Boston ‘Black Lives Matter' protest

Share
Jan 13, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 13, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Zdeno Chara is doing his part to use his platform and speak out against the racial injustices in the United States.

On Friday, the Boston Bruins captain attended a "Black Lives Matter' protest in Boston. Chara clearly was moved by the protest, as he followed with a long statement Saturday on Instagram condemning racism and the murder of George Floyd.

"First thing is first and let me be clear: I stand with the Black community. Black Lives Matter," Chara wrote. "There is no room in this world for racism. Period."

Read the full statement in the post below:

View this post on Instagram

For the last 13 days I have been sick about George Floyd’s murder. I have taken time to think and listen. Time to find bravery and time to try to find the right words, though I’ll admit I’m still struggling. First thing is first and let me be clear: I stand with the Black community. Black Lives Matter. There is no room in this world for racism. Period. Sure, I’ve dealt with my own share of adversity as an outsider living in this country but I recognize my challenges were not made harder, or impossible, because of the color of my skin. I will never know what it’s like to walk down a street and feel unsafe. No one should have to experience that feeling. We have to take better care of each other and respect each other. Equality must be a priority. Anything less is unacceptable. I learned a lot yesterday and had good, honest conversations. Not only did we take steps in a walk but we made strides in learning and educating together. But it doesn’t stop there. I will continue to stand - and walk - with you. I have your back. Zdeno Chara

A post shared by Zdeno Chara (@zeechara33) on Jun 6, 2020 at 7:01am PDT

Get the latest news and analysis on all of your teams from NBC Sports Boston by downloading the My Teams App

Boston Bruins

Find the latest Boston Bruins news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.

Zadorov finally shows what kind of impact he can make for Bruins

20 Under 25: Why it's important for Bruins to keep 2025 first-round pick

Chara joins Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Enes Kanter, and Vincent Poirier as Boston athletes to participate in "Black Lives Matter" protests. 

Also making a difference was Chara's Bruins teammate, Patrice Bergeron. The B's alternate captain issued a statement of his own while donating $50,000 to the Boston branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and the Centre Multienthnique de Quebec.

Contact Us