(CNN) The Boston Red Sox are showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
The phrase "Black Lives Matter" -- written in the baseball team's font -- was on Wednesday placed on a massive, 254-foot billboard running alongside the Massachusetts Turnpike by Fenway Park.
"Recognizing that we have work to do ourselves, we wanted to show that we stand with those who are working to achieve racial equity," Red Sox spokeswoman Zineb Curran told CNN in a statement. "The billboard is operated by the Red Sox Foundation and one of the ways we plan to feature the Black Lives Matter movement throughout the baseball season as a way to amplify the voices of those who share our values, but may not share our platform."
Though the Red Sox have not spoken publicly about the billboard, manager Ron Roenicke said earlier this week that he supports any players who wish to take a knee, a gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Red Sox Foundation website also features a June statement from president and CEO Sam Kennedy , condemning the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, calling them "stark reminders that racism and police brutality continue to be pervasive in America."
BreatheMyStink on July 23rd, 2020 at 13:52 UTC »
The sign was promptly stolen by the Astros
ifcommentingimdrunk on July 23rd, 2020 at 12:02 UTC »
Ya fahkin beleev dis kid bahhh
Drunkicho on July 23rd, 2020 at 11:54 UTC »
Never expected the Henry ownership to start supporting causes like this. They usually stick with the safe stuff, Jimmy Fund, Run For Home, etc.
Love seeing them throw support behind BLM. Being from Boston, racism is much more casual. You know, "No big deal, I make fun of everybody!", is something I've heard several times from several people, including myself when I was young and stupid(er).
Some in the city are saying they're done being fans, but this just got me more excited. Seeing the Fenway Group get some backbone against the ignorant history of this city, makes me proud to be a Sox fan. The Sox and us, the fans, have a long way to go to change our reputation, but this is a step in the right direction.