Renews calls to the Russian government that Griner be shown leniency and returned home
Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), released his letter to WNBA superstar Brittney Griner, who turns 32 today, as part of a campaign to celebrate her birthday, and renew attention to her situation.
A copy of Rev. Sharpton’s letter can be found below:
Dear Brittney,
First, I want to wish you a happy birthday. My hope was that I could have said that to you in person, whether it be visiting you in Russia or here at home in the United States.
I want you to know that we are praying for you. They wouldn’t let us come in person to pray over you, but we are still doing it in Texas, in Phoenix, in New York, and in Atlanta. Prayers don’t recognize borders. They do not have to clear customs. And they cannot be stopped by any government, though they may try.
Those dark moments you’re experiencing might remain, but you must find the light to keep going. It is in those moments, when we feel we cannot get any lower, that we begin to realize we can climb back up. Keep climbing toward that light because we know you can do it.
In the meantime, we are extending our hands out to lift you. I and my fellow faith leaders will continue to call on the Russian government to show compassion, to realize you atone for any mistakes. They should realize you have suffered enough.
Keep your strength and keep your faith. Your courage has inspired the world. More Americans are coming home, back where they belong, because of your resolve. I pray every night that you will be right behind them.
Don’t give that courage up. Continue to pray. And have a happy birthday.
Truly yours,
Rev. Al Sharpton
Sharpton has condemned the nine-year sentence issued against Griner, who has been detained in a Russian prison since her February 17 arrest at a Moscow airport. He stood with Griner’s wife, Cherelle, and fellow WNBA all-stars at a Chicago press conference this past July to urge compassion, mercy, and leniency be granted to Griner following her guilty plea and has continuously called on other faith leaders to continue to pray for Griner’s well-being as she faces up to 10 years in a penal colony.
