Finally Some Support for Colin Kaepernick’s Cause

Four years have passed since he was kneeling

Black Lives Matter! All Lives Matter. It is an injustice that changes against racism were not made long ago.

It wasn’t just Colin Kaepernick’s cause to fight against racism, but he brought it to everyone’s attention four years ago. He was not the first, but he was one among many. Lots of people have tried to bring the issue of racism to the attention of the American public countless times. They have tried to get political leaders to make changes. They have tried to encourage more racial equality, acceptance, tolerance, and love. Not much progress happened, and racism continued. Finally, maybe meaningful change will come about because it is an issue of great importance.

Kaepernick, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, used his platform as an NFL player to draw attention to the issue of racial injustice and police brutality against Black men. Kaepernick’s kneeling for the National Anthem during his professional football games was a Black athlete trying to bring change to the racist nature of the country. It did not work when he knelt four years ago to make it an issue. He was criticized severely, including by the President and Vice President of the USA. He lost his job. He wasn’t doing it for himself. He was kneeling to help other Black people.

After the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer holding his knee against Floyd’s neck until he could not breathe, the issue of racism and police brutality against Black men was again brought to everyone’s attention. This time protests began in earnest in an effort to bring about change.

Not much good happened from the protests and demonstrations. The killings of Black men have continued. Police have been involved in shootings which are suspect. Innocent demonstrators have lost their lives. Others have committed criminal acts which will likely ruin their lives.

Trump has been blaming Democrats for the chaos in the streets. However, there are a number of Trump supporters proudly displaying their Trump signs, shirts, and hats as they join demonstrations of their own or those of others. They have been the first ones to carry guns out in the open. The peaceful demonstrations have sometimes turned ugly and violent as the opposing forces have clashed.

Then another shooting happened in Kanosha, Wisconsin. It was another Black man shot in the back by a police officer. It seems unclear exactly what Jacob Blake did, but the videos showed a scene which should not have happened. Now Blake is paralyzed with multiple injuries. The shooting occurred in front of his children.

Professional athletic teams declined to play their scheduled games in an effort to support Black Lives Matters. It started when the Milwaukee Bucks NBA team would not play. Other teams followed their lead to lend their voices to try and stop racism.

Black athletes are important to and dominant in major sports leagues.

Several Black athletes, including LeBron James, were leaders in the effort. James spoke with former President Barack Obama, an avid basketball fan and player. James had been adamant about stopping the playoffs. After talking with President Obama, it was decided to play again if the league would show support for social justice causes. The NBA and the NFL finally expressed support.

NBC News reported that Colin Kaepernick reached out to LeBron James to say thank you. Kaepernick said to James, “Thank you for staying true.” He sent the following message to James:

“Four years ago on August 14, 2016, I began protesting against systemic racism and social injustice. Truth is what I sought. Solidarity is what you showed me. Love is what moves us forward.”

LeBron responded: “Standing/kneeling right next to you brother! Appreciate you.”

Although some Republicans such as Nikki Haley at the Republican National Convention have declared that America is not a racist country and have indicated that racism is not a problem, it is evident that racism is a huge problem. With peaceful protests turning violent, racism continues.

Hopefully, this time around Colin Kaepernick and the many others who have spoken up can be heard. Change needs to come to make this a better country and a better world. Peace and love are needed.

Let’s listen and bring meaningful change this time around. We can all do our part to try and put an end to racism by being more kind and tolerant of others. Black Lives Matter just as All Lives Matter.

[Source: Yahoo Sports, Internet]