With Just Five Words, Lewis Hamilton Rallies 32 Million Followers In Fighting For Ralf Yarl

The devastating impact of racism and gun violence was brought to the forefront once again when 16-year-old Ralf Yarl was shot in Kansas City. The incident triggered a nationwide outcry, with Americans coming together to support the young victim, who fortunately survived a life-threatening injury. Lewis Hamilton, a vocal advocate for social justice, spoke out about the incident and shared Ralf’s heartbreaking story with his millions of followers

Hamilton’s advocacy on social media has always been proactive, and he used his platform to join hundreds of others who rallied on the ground and many celebrities who called for action against gun laws and systemic racism in America.

Joining the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Halle Berry, Justin Timberlake, and more, Lewis Hamilton shares his support for the young musician.

Lewis Hamilton sends calls for justice in Ralf Yarl shooting

Resharing a post by American actress Viola Davis calling for “all hands on deck,” the post narrates the story of Ralf Yarl. Not only does it bring to light the horrendous act faced by the teenager, but also his story before his world changed. Calling for justice, Davis’ post shares important contact information of the prosecutor, in order to facilitate the “immediate arrest” of the offender.

 

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A post shared by VIOLA DAVIS (@violadavis)

Lewis Hamilton added to the message: “Ralf Yarl is just a kid and was shot for making a simple mistake. Thank God he’s alive…” Ending his charged message, he added, “There needs to be justice!!”

 Hamilton’s fight against racism

Lewis Hamilton, in his autobiography “My Story,” initially claimed that race was not a concern for him. However, he now acknowledges that he was encouraged to take that stance, and his perspective has evolved over time.

He recalled that during his early years, he and his father tried to fit in, and his dad advised him not to discuss race and to blend in instead. Hamilton’s transformation occurred primarily in response to the racial turmoil of 2020, which compelled him to speak out and take a stand.

Additionally, Hamilton’s memories of racist abuse he endured while go-karting came flooding back to him during the global upheaval. He recalls instances when he traveled to Italy and France, and people hurled racial slurs at him. “There was a lot of the N-word going around.”

 

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A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

He was also physically attacked by a father and son in Newcastle when he was 11 or 12 years old. They shouted, “Go back to your country,” as they kicked him, and Hamilton could not comprehend why they were attacking him. A traumatizing incident for any young child, Hamilton added, “When you’re being attacked, there’s this fear—there’s fear, and there’s anger as well because you want to get them back for the pain that they’re causing you.”

And thus, regardless of his peers, superiors, or anyone around him, Hamilton holds his ground in his fight against racism. Additionally, the 7-time champion plays an active role to make the sport more inclusive of more people hailing from all communities.