Philadelphia 76ers star Jaylen Brown has opened up about why some Black athletes remain hesitant to speak out on important social and political issues, arguing that the fear is connected to the “trauma of slavery.”
Brown made the comments during a conversation with two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali for The Hollywood Reporter, where the pair discussed athletes’ influence beyond sport and the legacy Brown hopes to leave in the NBA.
Asked about the resistance athletes can face when they become involved in issues outside their sport, Brown said he believes the hesitation is deeply rooted in historical trauma.
“I would say this, it might be a little controversial, but I think it’s rooted in fear, even within our own community,” Brown said. “There’s pushback, or almost like a hesitancy, rooted in the trauma of slavery.”
Brown argued that Black people were historically punished for pursuing activities such as reading and writing, and drew a comparison with the expectations placed on athletes today.
“You’re supposed to just be entertaining me,” he said. “My responsibility is not to entertain you. My responsibility is to be influential.”
According to Brown, talented athletes can feel pressured to remain within boundaries that make others comfortable, rather than using their platform to address wider issues.
“I think it’s a fear that’s instilled in talented people’s brains that if I use my abilities beyond what people are comfortable with, there’s going to be major pushback,” he said.
Brown added that he is comfortable challenging those expectations because he does not allow fear of criticism to dictate his actions.
Following the interview, Brown posted a short message on X: “The ancestors want you to stand on your victories.”
The comments come as Brown begins a new chapter of his career with Philadelphia after his move from Boston.
The six-time All-Star has also been vocal about the role athletes can play in their communities, pushing back against the familiar “shut up and dribble” mentality that discourages basketball players from speaking on political and social issues.
Brown said he wants his legacy to help future generations overcome that fear.
“When it’s all said and done, I want to break down that fear,” he said. “I want to break that fear down for the next generation. My legacy will be, hopefully, inspiring the next generation to be fearless.”
He later summed up that philosophy in another three-word message on X: “Fearlessness is contagious.”
On the court, Brown is coming off a strong season in which he finished sixth in MVP voting, averaging 28.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range across 78 games, including the playoffs.
Now entering a new chapter in Philadelphia, Brown will have another opportunity to shape both his career and the legacy he hopes to leave beyond basketball.
