Coco Gauff: I demand change now

U.S. tennis star Coco Gauff addressed a peaceful demonstration in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida on Thursday, calling for racial and social justice and urging people to step up to help the movement after the death of George Floyd.

"I think it's sad that I'm here protesting the same thing that [my grandmother] did 50-plus years ago," Gauff said in the speech as she posted the video on her official Twitter page, adding the "blacklivesmatter" hashtag.

"So I'm here to tell you guys that we must first love each other no matter what. We must have the tough conversations with my friends."

"I've been spending all week having tough conversations, trying to educate my non-black friends on how they can help the movement."

Coco Gauff posts on her Twitter page the video of her addressing crowd to fight for racial and social justice in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida, U.S., June 4, 2020. /VCG

The death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed in police custody in the U.S. on May 25, has sparked a week of sometimes violent protests and civil unrest in cities across the U.S. as well as other countries.

The young tennis talent has since joined fellow players to use her platform to fight for change.

She replied to Roger Federer's post on his twitter page with suggestions to help with various causes associated with the "Black Lives Matter" movement.

She also retweeted the "Racquets Down, Hands Up" campaign, started by U.S. tennis star Frances Tiafoe which was also joined by Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.

Coco Gauff arrives at the Peoples Choice Awards Ceremony in Santa Monica, U.S., November 10, 2019. /VCG

"It breaks my heart because I'm fighting for the future of my brothers. I'm fighting for the future of my future kids. I'm fighting for the future of my future grandchildren."

Gauff spoke at the rally after her grandmother Yvonne Odom, who was the first black student at her high school here in 1961, addressed the crowd.

"If you listen to black music, if you like black culture, if you have black friends, then this is your fight too. I demand change now."

(With input from agencies)

(Cover image: Coco Gauff looks on during her Women's Singles first round match against Venus Williams on day one of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 20, 2020. /VCG)