The Importance of Social Justice

 NFL Social Justice Awareness 

Emma Short

University of Nebraska at Kearney

SOWK-420: Diversity and Social Justice

Dr. Jody VanLaningham

September 5, 2025  


Social justice is more than just a concept; it is a commitment to fairness and equity for every individual in society. Social justice ensures that no one is unfairly treated or marginalized due to factors like race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It is about dismantling the barriers that prevent people from thriving and creating systems that support everyone’s potential. Historically, movements for social justice have reshaped societies, challenged oppressive norms, and advocated for marginalized groups. Think of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, where activists fought to end segregation and secure equal rights for African Americans. These movements remind us that progress is possible when people unite to demand change. Social justice is substantial because it addresses the root causes of inequality, fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and live a life of dignity. Ultimately, social justice is about building a world where everyone belongs and has the resources they need to flourish. It is a continuous journey, requiring ongoing effort and collaboration to create a more just and equitable society for all. 

The article that I chose is about the National Football League putting social justice messages on the end zones of the fields that the NFL owns. Writing social justice messages on NFL fields is a social justice issue because it brings attention to systemic inequalities and injustices faced by marginalized groups. Millions of people watch the NFL, and by displaying these messages, the NFL uses its platform to raise awareness about issues like racial inequality, police brutality, and the need for equal opportunities. When we think about the NFL, we can see that there are players from all sorts of backgrounds on each team. With the NFL representing people from diverse backgrounds, it must raise awareness about various social issues. 

 Historically, sports have often been a stage for social and political statements. Think back to Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists at the 1968 Olympics. The NFL’s actions can be seen as a continuation of this tradition, using visibility to advocate for change. It becomes a social justice issue because it sparks dialogue, challenges the status quo, and encourages people to think about and address these critical societal problems. The NFL has employed various methods to raise awareness about social justice issues that have arisen. The Super Bowl is known for its commercials, and many of those commercials have brought awareness to fighting the battles that come with solving social justice issues. 

Many people have paid attention to these messages, and it will help bring awareness, with how many people watch the NFL, along with how it brings families together, along with friends from all different backgrounds. This will help spread the word and continue to bring football fans and social justice advocates together to help solve the larger problem that the world is facing. 

   References 

Bois, P. (2025, August 15). NFL will continue with social justice messages in end zones. Breitbart. https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2025/08/14/nfl-will-continue-with-social-justice-messages-in-end-zones/








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