'I know what my parents went through' - Michael Holding fights back tears while talking about the racism faced by his parents

Former West Indies cricketer turned commentator Michael Holding had delivered a powerful speech against racism on Day 1 of the Test match between England and West Indies. The West Indies tour of England marks the return of international cricket after a wait of 177 days.

Finding it a perfect opportunity to educate people on “Black Lives Matter”, Holding had discussed the sufferings of the black race. He revealed how they have been ‘dehumanized’ over the years and the accomplishments of the black people were wiped off from a history “written by people who do them harm”.

Following his impassioned plea on Wednesday in Southampton, Holding gave an emotional interview where he talked about the discrimination faced by him and his parents due to their skin colour. Michael also laid stress on why it is important to fight for the rights and lives of the black race.

In an interview with Sky News’ Mark Austin on Thursday, the West Indies legend said, “To be honest, that emotional part came when I started thinking of my parents. And it’s coming again now.”

“Mark, I know what my parents went through. My mother’s family stopped talking to her because her husband was too dark. I know what they went through, and that came back to me immediately,” Holding said, wiping tears from his eyes.

Holding also spoke about the various instances where he faced racism over the years. Talking about one time, Holding told Mark that once he and his friend were assumed to not be booking into a hotel together in South Africa just because he is dark and his friend was white.

“We laugh about it when not living in that society, and sometimes I grimace in my head and I move on. But I cannot keep on laughing, grimacing, and moving on,” he added.

It cannot continue like this: Michael Holding

The 64-year-old hopes that the Black Lives Matter movement would continue in the right direction and would not be “brushed under the carpet”. He urged people to have empathy towards other human beings irrespective of their caste or skin colour.

“I hope people understand exactly what I’m saying, and exactly where I’m coming from. I’m 66 years old. I have seen it, I have been through it and I have experienced it with other people. It cannot continue like this – we have to understand that people are people,” said Holding

“Well, it’s going to be a slow process, Mark. But I hope, even if it’s a baby step at a time, even a snail’s pace, but I’m hoping it will continue in the right direction. Even a snail’s pace – I don’t care,” he went on to add.

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