Kofi Kingston recently spoke with Yahoo Sports, and talked about his current WWE storyline leading into WrestleMania 35 sends a message about inclusion and transcending race. Kingston says he’s proud to be at the forefront of this message for the African-American community, but also hopes people see this as a symbol of anyone being able to overcome the odds:
“We always say that it’s very important to have representation. As a child, one that would be watching the WWE product, I think it’s very important for children to look at the screen and see somebody that looks like them doing incredible things. I am so proud to be a beacon of light for people who look like me.
“They can look to TV — regardless of race — as a human and that it is possible to overcome impossible odds. I take a lot of pride in being the center of all of that and being the representative for all of that. Being able to identify with so many people, I think that’s the reason why this movement has been so powerful. It’s more than just race, or one particular thing. It’s so many different things, so many elements of hope that we’re able to provide.
What we do is entertainment, but there’s an element that is very real about this whole scenario. I find myself getting choked up about the love and support that I’ve had. It’s awesome. It’s such a great feeling, such an amazing feeling. I always think that the best storylines on television always have a bit of reality intertwined, and there’s a lot of what is real in this.
I feel like it’s not just about me. I may be at the center of it, but the New Day, our goal has always been to elevate one another. We always are trying to figure out ways where we can make each other look good, make each other more successful. This whole scenario, it speaks volumes for what the New Day has always been and it epitomizes what we’ve been at our core.”
