Legendary West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding has said the society has not gotten over the problem of racism yet and it’s important to acknowledge that black lives matter in the current climate.

He made these comments in a documentary which was aired in the lead up to the first Test between England and West Indies in Southampton recently, reports India Today.

In the documentary for Sky Cricket, Holding and former England cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent discussed racism in the sport and the Black Lives Matter movement.

“Education is important unless we want to continue the lives we are living. When I say education, I mean going back in history. This thing stems from a long time ago, hundreds of years ago. The dehumanisation of the black race if where it started,” Holding said.

 

"Even if it's a baby step at a time. Even a snail's pace. But I'm hoping it will continue in the right direction. Even at a snail's pace, I don't care"

Michael Holding fights back tears as he recalls the prejudice faced by his parents.https://t.co/iOm40vn1kt pic.twitter.com/BhYXRbtyd1

— SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 9, 2020

The legendary cricketer also said that “People will tell you, 'that's a long time ago. Get over it'. No, we can't get over it like that. And society has not gotten over that.”

“If you don't educate people, they'll keep growing up in that sort of society and you'll not get meaningful change,” he said.

Speaking in the documentary, Rainford-Brent, said the society needs to understand that racism is not a Black person’s problem alone.

“It’s everyone's problem. We’ve got to have a society that's representative. Honest conversations, opportunities,” the former cricketer, who was the first Black player in the England women’s team, he said.

It's all about equality

Holding was critical of the voices against the Black Lives Movement, saying Black people understand all lives matter but vice-versa is not true.

“Everyone is now coming alive and seeing the difference in the treatment of people. We’re all humans and I hope everyone understands this Black Lives Movement is not trying to get Black people above white people or above anyone else,” said Holding.

“It's all about equality. When you tell somebody that 'Black Lives Matter' and they tell you white lives matter or all lives matter,” he added.

"Until we educate the entire human race, this thing will not stop."

Michael Holding delivers a powerful message, explaining why #BlackLivesMatter. pic.twitter.com/2jiATkOqQ4

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2020

Holding  also stated that “We Black people know white lives matter. I don't think you know that Black lives matter. So don't shout back at us saying, all Lives Matter.”

“It's obvious. The evidence is clearly there that white lives matter. We want Black lives to matter now. As simple as that,” he added.

The death of an African-American man, George Floyd in police custody in the United States triggered protests across the globe against racism.

The Black Lives Matter movement has garnered a lot of support over the last few weeks and the sporting fraternity has backed the campaign with their on-field support.

England and West Indies teams are expected to ‘take a knee’ after the toss that has been delayed in combined support of the Black Lives Movement.