Filipino Canadian brothers fighting racism in the streets and in the hockey rink

Matt Dumba spoke online from his home in Calgary.

Two Filipino Canadian brothers playing professional hockey are part of the newly formed Hockey Diversity Alliance, which has a mission "to eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey."

Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba, was named to the group's executive committee along with Detroit Red Wings defenseman Trevor Daley, Buffalo Sabres forward Wayne Simmonds, Philadelphia Flyers forward Chris Stewart and former NHL forward Joel Ward. The group appointed San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane and former NHL player Akim Aliu as co-heads of the organization.

"In creating our alliance, we are confident we can inspire a new generation of hockey players and fans," it said in a statement. "We are hopeful that anyone who puts on skates or sits in the stands will do so without worrying about race, gender or socioeconomic background (and) will be able to express their culture, identity, values and personality without fear of retribution."

The alliance's announcement comes in the wake of the killing of George Floyd–a 46-year-old black man who died in police custody after a Minneapolis police officer held his knee against Floyd's throat for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked a series of global protests against racism and for Black Lives Matter and touched Matt Dumba personally.

"I will be silent no more," said Matt Dumba.

Minnesota Wild player Matt Dumba is raising funds to help Minneapolis small businesses.

Matt Dumba tells NBC Asian America that he knows the challenges of growing up brown in a predominantly white sport.

Dumba said that he was usually the only person of color on his teams growing up in Calgary, Alberta, and that he often endured racism from other players.

"Up in Canada, people didn't really know what I was. You have to have a conversation and break through my family history and ethnicity. Little kids threw the bag at you when it came to racial slurs and stuff to get at you," Dumba continued. 

"But I took offense to almost everything that was said to me just because of my family background, how many different races are involved in that. Just wanted to stand up for my family. That was a little bit tough. But you work through it. I'm grateful that my love of the game was so strong and I just kept battling through a lot of that."

The alliance, which formed last Spring, will operate independently of the National Hockey League, but Kim Davis, the League's senior vice president of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs, said she hopes the NHL and alliance can work together.

"We are supportive of all efforts that are intended to advance the role of our sport in society," Davis said. "We are hopeful that this alliance will collaborate with our NHL structured council and committees -- particularly the Player Inclusion Committee -- to bring ideas for change."

Matt Dumba, 25, has played for the Minnesota Wild for seven seasons. The team plays its  home games in St. Paul, the twin city of Minneapolis.
Dumba and his brother Kyle, who plays for the Surrey Eagles, are two of the handful of  Asian Canadians playing the country's national sport professionally. The brothers stayed in their hometown of Calgary during the lockdown to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

“Change isn't supposed to be comfortable," Dumba said in a video posted on his Twitter account Thursday afternoon. "I wish I could be back with you guys helping support the cause and cleaning up the aftermath. But I can't. And like some of you, I feel helpless. Being a professional athlete has given me a platform. And I have chosen to use it to amplify your voices and help the community. ... I love you Minnesota, let's come back from this stronger than ever."

KYLE DUMBA

Moving from words to action, the brothers helped launched another initiative to help Minnesota rebuild and repair Lake Street where many of the protests damaged local businesses.

Last month, Matt Dumba partnered with the Lake Street Council to make sure small businesses and non-profits in the Minneapolis get the help they need. He also pledged to match donations up to $100,000.

Last week, the effort received a $100,000 donation from the NHL and Wild, with each contributing $50,000 to the cause.

"As brilliant as he is on the ice, Matt's devotion to the game and his community off the ice are truly outstanding," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "The NHL is honored to join the Minnesota Wild in supporting Matt's initiative to Rebuild Lake Street and we admire his dedication to the great fans of the Wild and to everyone who lives and works in the Twin Cities."