Former Syracuse University Student-Athletes of Color Launch Black Oranges Collective with Social Media Challenge #GetOffTheBench

SYRACUSE, N.Y., June 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Syracuse University football player, Brian Tarrant along with a group of former SU student-athletes of color announced today the formation of the Black Oranges collective. The group will leverage their collective power to take meaningful action and lead/inspire SU alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters to put in the work necessary to end institutional oppression, racial inequality and police brutality. 

On July 4, 2020, Black Oranges will launch its first major social media campaign: #GetOffTheBench encouraging their networks to make the pledge to do at least one thing to help end systemic racism.  A resource guide can be found at www.blackoranges.org for ideas on how to join in the movement on July 4^th and beyond.  #GetOffTheBench encourages participants to share images and videos of love, charity, and civic engagement via social media platforms using the hashtags #GetOffTheBench, #blackoranges and tagging @blackoranges44 on Instagram and Twitter.

"Black Oranges is making the pledge to use our influence, resources, and network to inspire, unify, and confront racism in every facet of society," said Brian Tarrant, President and Co-Founder of the Black Oranges. "Collectively, we are tired, we are outraged, and we are ready to get off the bench! We will do this at our alma mater, in our respective communities, and throughout the world. Although we may not score points or race against the clock anymore, we represent the 'CUSE as doctors, lawyers, teachers, law enforcement, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and so much more."

About Black Oranges

The Black Oranges collective is a group of former Syracuse University student-athletes who came together to form a dialogue, share their pain, and leverage their collective power to formulate a plan of action following the brutal and heartbreaking murder of George Floyd at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve.

Black Oranges is more than just a one-day social media campaign. It is a movement to assist Black and Brown students, faculty, and all who want to help eliminate the persistent racial gaps in areas like educational attainment, economic development, housing, healthcare, police reform & accountability, and voter participation. 

Black Oranges has quickly grown to include more than 100 former Syracuse University student-athletes of color who are united in this purpose.

More information can be found at www.blackoranges.org

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SOURCE Black Oranges