LIFE CHANGES DURING THE PANDEMIC
When the pandemic hit, like many, Donovan had to take a real pause in his life. ''For the past two years, three years, I've been going non-stop, ''Donovan says, and while the pandemic was of deep concern, changing the lives of many around the world, he used the time to reflect.
"I THINK THAT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS FOR ME, IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU MISS EVERY BIT OF THE GAME, NOT JUST THE EASY THINGS."
Donovan Mitchell
A VOICE FOR CHANGE
As an African American, experiencing moments of racism is nothing new for Donovan, “this has been my whole life,” he says. “I’ve had moments where I’ve been pulled over just because I’m driving a nice car in a certain neighborhood.” So the protests in response to racism didn’t come as a surprise. “People have been trying to talk about this for years,” Donovan says.
"I THINK THIS GAME HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH AND IT'S ALLOWED ME TO PURSUE A DREAM THAT I'VE HAD AS A KID. WITH THAT BEING SAID, IT'S ALSO GIVEN ME A PLATFORM."
Donovan Mitchell
PLAYING FOR HOPE
Speaking to his teammates and gaining a mutual understanding of lived experiences has been empowering. “I think that’s what we’re missing as a country,” he says “just to listen, and understand”. He is hopeful for change. “It won’t happen overnight. It won’t happen tomorrow,” he admits, but if everyone does their part, the world can progress. “Spread this message and have uncomfortable and necessary conversations with your family, friends and co-workers.”
