Cheerleader and Member of Zeta Phi Beta Kneels During National Anthem
Alexus Bazen is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She is a Finer Woman of the Mu Iota chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Bazen began cheering seven years ago when she was in the 9th grade and hasn’t stopped since.
As you are aware, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. member Colin Kaepernick ignited a movement when he first knelt for the national anthem several weeks ago. Being one of Bazen’s favorite athletes and also a member of the Divine 9, she decided to do so as well.
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“He provided me the perfect model, as a budding activist, to not only express myself, but to give a voice to those who have been silenced,” Bazen said.
“The kneeling movement isn’t simply about defiance. The flag as a symbol is double-edged sword; on one hand, it’s supposed to represent the liberty and freedom that we all should have just by nature of being American citizens. On the other, it represents the reality of the oppression, abuse, and gross miscarriages of justice done against Black people and people of color in this country.”
Bazen also admits that she did ask for permission to perform this action.
“I wanted to be respectful toward my coach, who has been totally supportive of me, and to Penn Athletics; I take great pride in wearing my uniform simply because of the pride I have for my institution. Fortunately, my Penn family has been extremely supportive of me in everything that I have chosen to do.”
