Not talking football and the NFL here! (smiley face). I want to showcase what Colin Kaepernick stands for, albeit kneeling during the National Anthem. It was a courageous and hugely inspirational stand-up moment in the history of activism. I admire and think he is a profound gentleman. To say something in the manner with which he did it is truly empowering. Many of you may already know something about him and others may not. What is really important here is that we share the information as much as we can. Positive images within the Black culture is of great importance.
It was while sifting through my feed on FB that I came across a video of Mr. Kaepernick donating his exceedingly large sneaker collection to a local homeless shelter in the Bay Area that caught my attention. I couldn’t shake the image from my mind. There is something powerful in this most simple act. The giving away of things. Things we hold sacred in this society of excess. In so many ways through the media we see people telling tales of what they have and what they have accumulated…money included… I sat before my computer and began my research. I wanted to know who this magnificent character was and is off the football field. I was driven to his WEBSITE where I came across his “KNOW YOUR RIGHTS CAMP AND CAMPAIGN”. Brilliant was the first word that quietly tumbled from my lips as I perused the website.
“I will donate one million dollars plus all the proceeds of my jersey sales from the 2016 season to organizations working in oppressed communities, 100k a month for 10 months.” – Colin Kaepernick
True to his word he is making this all happen, check the website! I was also moved by his 10 point platform!
10 Points
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS CAMP is a free campaign for youth, fully funded by Colin Kaepernick to raise awareness on higher education, self-empowerment, and instruction to properly interact with law enforcement in various scenarios.
This is what our children need to see and be inspired by. These powerful words can and I’m sure will make a difference in many lives. That is what NEVAH BLACK DOWN is all about. Using your voice, your image or your celebrity, in Colin’s case, to make a change during the climate of the times is tantamount.
There is so much more to know and much is swirling around about this amazing spirit known as Colin Kaepernick. Football or not he is someone to be celebrated. He is someone to be lifted up, not torn down.
Personally, I hope he is able to continue the great work that he is doing. I hope he will continue to have the courage and strength to disarm the criticism from those who do nothing to make a change.
NevahBlackDown 