This newsletter is not going to be long. Aside from the fact that this situation is still unfolding, we refuse to talk about a bigot while his victim is being retraumatized.
We have nothing to offer. What do we even say to those affected? What are we supposed to say to Isaiah Crother-Meyers? Are we meant to congratulate him for being brave in the face of the dehumanization these terrible, callous men have subjected him to again and again? What about his parents? Are we supposed to commend his mother, Joni, for her resilience and for speaking up repeatedly while watching her child suffer and be retraumatized? There are no new insights nor enough platitudes to soothe the pain people in hockey have caused. “I’m sorry” is not enough to cover this magnitude.
We don’t think this is the appropriate moment to discuss how it will affect the team or how they will recover from this. In a moment where multiple people are currently suffering, all we want to know is what the Bruins and the NHL will do for Isaiah.
In solidarity with Isaiah and his family,
Gaby & Perrye
ICYMI: In a previous issue, Perrye discussed her experience as a Black fan and how racism is handled in the sport.
Being a Black fan of hockey is all too often like being in an abusive relationship.