WNBA's Maya Moore Fights for Justice System Reform

Photo Courtesy of Maya Moore's Twitter

If you don't know who Maya Moore is, you should. Not only is she an extremely decorated small forward for the Minnesota Lynx, but she is a vocal activist for racial justice and justice system reform. Moore sat out last season to try and help the 50-year prison sentence of Jonathan Irons, 40, as she believed he was wrongfully convicted.

When Irons was 16 years old, he was charged for burglary and assault with a weapon, and was sentenced to the aforementioned 50-year sentence as he was tried as an adult. In the trail, Irons' lawyer stated that there was no evidence of any kind proving that Irons was guilty. The prosecution only had verbal testimony of the victim and nothing else. Irons, being a 16 year old black kid living in poverty, faced an all-white jury who didn't think twice before finding him guilty. This situation clearly speaks to the horrible racism and corruption that perpetuates the justice system, and speaks volumes as to why Moore wanted to make a change within the social justice system. After serving almost half of this sentence, Irons is now a free man (ESPN).

"When we take time to stand up for people, and to shine a light in a dark place, not everybody is going to like it," Moore said. "When it costs your comfort or maybe something that you just want to kind of check out and enjoy, I get that" (CNN).

Moore has her own campaign called Win With Justice where she strives to create reform within the justice system. I'm in awe of her commitment to making much needed change in this country. She is an incredible inspiration to all.This is just one instance for her success off the court, so I encourage you to look deeper into her many accomplishments.

"We feel a responsibility to make the most of our platforms and our privilege by demanding that those around us -- those who come to our games to support us, those who voted for us, or those in our neighborhood who have high hopes that we will bring a higher level of thinking to our criminal justice system -- are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness"

Maya Moore

(From Win with Justice Website)

What are you doing to strive for social change?