Orlando Magic center Jonathan Isaac defends decision to attend controversial summit

The text came through on Monday. It was Orlando Magic center Jonathan Isaac. He had a lot to say.

Before we get to the text, we need to go back a little bit. Isaac is speaking at something called the "Believers' Summit." It's hosted by Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who has made a rash of ugly, anti-Black statements. Recently, he questioned the competency of Black pilots, and has also trashed Martin Luther King Jr. saying the civil rights icon was a "myth."

Again, Isaac is speaking at Kirk's "summit," scheduled to begin in late July in Florida, which seems strange to me because, well, why would a Black man like Isaac support someone like Kirk?

In a way, the question can be extrapolated to a larger point. Black progressives like me are often befuddled why Black conservatives align themselves with people who do not have our interests at heart or, worse, are often hostile to us.

All of this is why I reached out to Isaac, and he gives one of the best windows into that thought process that you'll ever see. I think the fair thing is to publish Isaac's text in its entirety. I should also make clear I respect the fact (greatly so, actually) that he responded to my interview request.

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"Obviously you’ll share your own opinion, but I’d hope you’d be fair to my point of view," Isaac wrote to me. "I understand the optics of my decision to attend Charlie Kirk’s 'Believers' Summit.' I think it’s important to make the distinction that this is not an outright political event but a Christian summit. Obviously the issue is that Charlie is a representative of conservatism and has said remarks deemed racist by the black community. I’ve openly stated that I disagree with Charlie on his approach and rhetoric when it comes to speaking about the black community but I do not believe him to be a racist or evil man. I’ve received nothing but respect from him and the host of folks from his events and those that share his ideology.

"I am inclined to attend the...summit because I believe continued change can be made on the conservative isle by tangible engagement. Me attending the event as a black man and sharing the gospel from my point of view and engaging with Charlie is a risk I’m willing to take if it means possible progress.

"I believe the Gospel to be the antidote for all people from all skin colors and walks of life regardless of what isle you’re on. I’m not naïve to the fact that if it was published that I’d be meeting with President Biden, you wouldn’t be writing this article. President Biden, who I have no hate for, has had several instances of comments throughout his life that many would deem racist. But it would be applauded if anyone of my black peers were to meet with him.

"My goal is to work to unite the kingdom of heaven. White, black, and in between on one accord for the kingdom. That’s the side I am on! I also have a heart to see the black community thrive and believe that Christ from a spiritual pov and conservative principles/values from an economic and cultural pov provide the best framework for that to happen."

So, there is a lot to unpack here.

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Isaac engages in a healthy dose of whataboutism, but the whataboutism about Biden is particularly noticeable. Isaac is right. Biden has said some questionable things but his actions as President speak far more forcefully. He picked a biracial running mate, appointed the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, and has done any number of other things to show allyship.

Also, if Isaac ever met with Biden, it would be applauded because, well, Biden didn't try to overthrow American democracy.

Isaac also loses sight of something else. Just because Kirk treats him well, that doesn't mean Kirk isn't who his words show him to be. Kirk tells us who he is. We should believe him.

What makes Isaac so interesting is he's conservative playing in a league that's extremely progressive. After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, numerous NBA players peacefully protested police brutality by taking a knee and wearing Black Lives Matter shirts. Isaac declined to do both.

This isn't about political beliefs. Or right or left. Of course, Isaac can support whoever the hell he wants. I'm just unsure about what Isaac gets out of supporting someone like Kirk.

If Isaac wants to use his considerable influence as a player, and a man of faith, to change things for the better, this doesn't seem like the way to do it.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Orlando center Jonathan Isaac attending a controversial summit?