Campaign Action
Our partner organization, Color of Change, is running a campaign throughout the month of November to shine the light on athletes and activists who have positively impacted the movement for racial justice. In support of the #SuperPowerChange campaign, I’m highlighting Colin Kaepernick as my November pick for black excellence.
Author’s note: Apparently, some folks are super butthurt about GQ magazine naming him Citizen of the Year. So this one is especially for y’all #StayMad.
1. He refuses to be silenced for speaking out against racial injustice
Despite the more recent focus on first amendment rights, Kaepernick continues to take the knee since September of 2015 to shine the light on police brutality against black Americans. Despite multiple NFL team owners allegedly in collusion against him being resigned to a team, Colin has exuded nothing but grace and dedication to his original mission of racial justice.
2. He walks the walk by doing the work needed to make social change
To boost relief efforts for the horrific famine in Somalia earlier this year, Kaepernick borrowed a plane from Turkish Airlines filled with water and food and raised over $2 Million in donations. He also decided to donate the 2016 proceeds of his jersey sales on top of his $1 Million personal donation to organizations “working in oppressed communities.” Cappy even took the reigns with his own philanthropic foundation that serves to educate and impact social activism, and empowers and educates young people about their rights when interacting with police.
3. He’s working with other activists to spread awareness about the Prison- Industrial Complex
Colin became a sort of unofficial spokesperson for Meek Mill, who is serving a disproportionate sentence in prison for a bogus-ass charge. Kaepernick let the public know that Meek Mill was in good spirits, and was quick to come with that realness and connect Meek’s plight to the biased criminal justice system overall, committing to “continue to fight against the harsh sentencing practices that have affected Meek & millions of other POC for generations.”
4. He’s going Hollywood...without actually “Going Hollywood.”
In an interesting turn of events, Colin Kaepernick may have a movie deal in the works. And maybe even Dancing with the Stars? If he likes it, we love it!
5. He’s influencing other black athletes to speak out for racial justice
His former teammate and 49ers football player, Eric Reid reported to the New York Times that he “felt furious, hurt and hopeless” until linking up with Colin and peacefully protesting. Kevin Durant was even quoted in a story that broke today, saying that he’s experienced “a shift in racial-identity” after witnessing Cappy’s protests.
To be sure, there are a great many unheralded stories of black folks — especially black women — that are long overdue. My hope is that championing stories like this one and continuing to build campaigns like #SuperPowerChange will shift the culture and we’ll start to get some of the recognition we deserve.