These NBA Superstars Sent A Powerful Message To The World At The ESPY Awards

NBA superstars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony opened the 2016 ESPY Awards with a powerful message and a heartfelt tribute, honoring the African-American citizens who lost their lives to police brutality, gun violence and racial injustice in America over the years.

Chris Paul's voice echoed throughout the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles as he mentioned the victims names involved in both recent and past tragedies throughout the country.

We stand here tonight accepting our role in uniting communities to be the change we need to see.

Recognizing that athlete legends of the past, like Muhammad Ali and Arthur Ashe, had helped pave the way for today's superstar athletes, Chris Paul stated Dwyane, LeBron, Carmelo and himself, would follow in their footsteps and promote positive change.

Check out the heartwarming, eye-opening clips below.

LeBron took over the floor and urged all professional athletes to speak up, explore issues, invest time and help change the world.

Dwyane Wade touched on the subject of racial profiling and listed a variety of the country's issues that need to stop.

Carmelo Anthony voiced his inability to ignore the current state of America and expressed the urgency to create change.

ABC News anchor T.J. Holmes shed a little background on how the idea for the touching tribute came about. It turns out the idea to speak on the recent tragedies wasn't even the network's idea.

While these professional basketball players may be known for their strength, quickness, versatility and monstrous slam dunks, it's important that we're able to look up to these sports greats for guidance, wisdom and truth.

After all, not every public figure out there is using their platform for positive change. Great job, guys!

WWE's John Cena is hosting the 2016 ESPY Awards on July 13 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, live on ABC at 8PM ET.