Feb 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Eastern Conference forward Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7) speaks during media day for the 2016 NBA All Star Game at Sheraton Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has responded to recent tragedies by imploring his fellow athletes to speak out and demand change.

The racial divide in the United States of America is reaching its boiling point. The tragic killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and countless others, as well as the unspeakable shootings of Dallas police officers, have the entire country seething in frustration and anger.

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony believes that those with the power of fame must use their unique platforms to speak out during these times of trial.

Anthony wrote a deep and moving Instagram post in the wake of these recent tragedies. During the post, he implored people to, “Steer their anger in the right direction,” and call on public officials to get something done.

The post included a photograph that featured some of the most prominent athletes of the Civil Rights Movement, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Muhammad Ali, and Jim Brown.

Perhaps the most pertinent quote from Anthony’s post was as follows:

“We need each other. These politicians have to step up and fight for change. I’m calling for all my fellow ATHLETES to step up and take charge. Go to your local officials, leaders, congressman, assemblymen/assemblywoman and demand change. There’s NO more sitting back and being afraid of tackling and addressing political issues anymore. Those days are long gone. We have to step up and take charge. We can’t worry about what endorsements we gonna lose or whose going to look at us crazy. I need your voices to be heard. We can demand change. We just have to be willing to. THE TIME IS NOW. IM all in. Take Charge. Take Action. DEMAND CHANGE. Peace7

That’s a powerful statement from a professional athlete who understands what he’s risking by merely standing up for what he believes in.

At a time like this, a player cannot be afraid to risk their endorsements or their overall favorability. There are swooping changes that need to be made, and nothing will get done without immediate action.

Athletes have always been influential figures in the United States of America, and their willingness to speak out has often led to change.

Anthony, and many of his peers in both the NBA and other sports leagues, can make a difference. They have a platform to promote issues that the general population may either be unaware of or uneducated about.

Posts like this provide the general population with a glimpse into the history of this country, and insight as to what can be done to facilitate change.

Thank you, Carmelo Anthony, for taking a stand for what you believe in.