On Tuesday, WWE's Big E posted this photo on Twitter featuring five current WWE champions with the hashtag #BlackExcellence.
#BlackExcellence
The photo features WWE Women's Champion Sasha Banks, Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann, and Tag Team Champions The New Day, comprised of Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods, who just broke the record as the longest reigning tag team champions in WWE history.
The photo highlights the achievement of all five WWE champions, who perform in an industry that's historically been dominated by white males.
And people came out in droves to support them.
But there were a lot of people who took issue with the hashtag #BlackExcellence.
Some began their own hashtag with #WhiteExcellence.
People felt oppressed.
And so, Kofi Kingston addressed the negative comments on Twitlonger.
He writes, "Why does this matter? It matters because even though it is hard for some to fathom, the fact is that there are many people who feel as though it is impossible to attain certain goals because of the color of their skin."
"It is important for people of all races, but particularly people of color, and especially the youth, to see that it is entirely possible to achieve your dreams and aspirations regardless of your race."
"For even if you do not fall into the specific category, you can still take enjoyment in our pride, because in the biggest picture, in a society that often focuses on the negative aspects of race relations, what has transpired with the five of us speaks positively to the progress we've made as a nation."
So props to these five talented champions and keep doing your thing!
#BlackExcellence
(NEW...DAY ROCKS!)