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Colin Kaepernick: A Remarkable Figure and Here’s Why
By: Janelle Parker
I’ve never been particularly keen on football. Growing up in a household with two parents who were obsessed with sports, I often felt like I was missing out on life while they were glued to the screen every Sunday. My aversion to football was probably heightened by living in a city where the teams never performed well.
Transitioning from my sports-enthusiastic family to a partner who was equally obsessed with football didn’t help either. Whenever we had cable, the TV was practically handed over to him three nights a week for games. To my surprise, I started to develop a slight interest, even rooting for specific players, although the rules of the game still eluded me. That was around 2012, during the rise of quarterback Colin Kaepernick with the San Francisco 49ers.
Initially, I wasn’t a fan of Kaepernick. I criticized his laid-back style at press conferences, often wearing a hoodie and Beats headphones while other athletes appeared more polished. I viewed him as arrogant and felt he didn’t take his responsibilities seriously. My disapproval became a running joke with my dad, who would teasingly refer to Kaepernick as my “best friend.” I grouped him with the other football players I didn’t admire — a bunch of misguided brutes, in my opinion. However, everything changed when he made a bold statement that caught my attention.
Kaepernick, who has biracial roots but was raised by white adoptive parents, announced that he would no longer stand during the national anthem before games. Instead, he would kneel to protest systemic oppression against black people in America. His words struck a chord, making me reassess my earlier perceptions. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way,” Kaepernick declared.
As Kaepernick’s stand gained traction, athletes across various sports began to follow his lead. His decision was fueled by the rampant violence against black individuals by police, and he felt compelled to use his platform for change. He committed to kneeling at every game throughout the 2016 season and pledged $1 million of his salary to charitable organizations, donating $100,000 each month for ten months. The backlash was intense, particularly from white football fans who insisted he should just “shut up and play.” This phrase echoes a long-standing sentiment directed at athletes of color who dare to speak out.
True to his word, Kaepernick took a knee throughout the 2016-2017 season and began his donations in October. His foundation has since contributed $400,000 to various charities aimed at combating oppression globally through education and activism. The foundation has also launched the “Know Your Rights” camp, which is free for youth, focusing on empowerment and education about interacting with law enforcement.
At the end of the football season, Kaepernick donated his extensive collection of Nike sneakers and other sports gear to local charities in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Dorothy Day House, which provides meals and housing for those in need. His Million Dollar Pledge supports organizations like Silicon Valley De-Bug, which aids families affected by police violence, and Causa Justa/Just Cause, which helps families facing eviction.
I confess that I was too quick to judge Colin Kaepernick initially. It’s rare to see someone with such a high profile take a stand for their beliefs, even at the risk of their career. Currently, Kaepernick remains unsigned after leaving the 49ers, and while some attribute this to his vegan lifestyle, it’s clear that his refusal to conform to expectations is the real issue. He isn’t going to be silenced, even if it means sacrificing millions.
His true legacy may extend beyond football, embodying a fight for justice and equality that resonates far deeper.
In conclusion, Kaepernick’s journey exemplifies the power of standing up for one’s beliefs, regardless of the consequences. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, this excellent resource can provide guidance on pregnancy and related topics.
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