9.4.18
The iconic sneaker brand Nike announced Colin Kaepernick is headlining their 30th Anniversary “Just Do It” campaign and it’s got folk upset. But it makes me proud. Across a closeup of Kaepernick face is written, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Nike has put itself on the right side of history by giving a nod to Kap’s national protest not against the anthem and the American flag but rather protesting racial injustice and police brutality towards the black community that has claimed many notable black lives since the murder of Trayvon Martin. Nike stated:
“We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward.” — Nike’s Gino Fisanotti
Indeed, Kaepernick has sacrificed, sacrificed his career, his earnings, his time, and his effort to bring attention to one of the pressing issues in American. Donald Trump has used this protest to distract from its cause, to divide the country along racial lines, and to stir up support among his base.
Many athletes have come out in support of Kaepernick. Recently at the US Open, champ Serena Williams called all athletes to support Kaepernick. She tweeted, “Especially proud to be a part of the Nike family today. #justdoit” Serena praised Kaepernick and former 49ers S Eric Reid for their courage, stating,
“I think every athlete, every human, and definitely every African American should be completely grateful and honored how Colin and Eric are doing so much more for the greater good. They really use their platform in ways that is really unfathomable. I feel like they obviously have great respect from a lot of their peers, especially other athletes, people that really are looking for social change.”
Colin took his niece to the Venus and Serena match on Saturday to be surprised by Serena after the match with this photo opp. Earlier in the year Lebron James and Steve Curry among others have stood up for Kaenernick and stood against Trump.
The NFL owners have failed to standup for what is right. They have hurt their league and missed the opportunity to educate and inform the American people as they have done for breast cancer. If they would “Just Do It” and not had back down to Trump who seek revenge for being denied a NFL team.
Although Kaepernick has been deny a position in the NFL, he continues to be the center of controversy. His critics has shown the inability and unwillingness to deal with the issues of his protest, thereby demonstrating a hidden racial bias and alternative agenda. America is in denial of racism and racist history and deep racial bias toward black Americans that can be seen across every aspect of American culture and life. Some just want black athletes to “Shut up and play.”
Just days ago Colin won an early battle against NFL in ongoing collusion case. He can now officially move ahead after an arbitrator sided with him.
I wish him well and I salute him for his sacrifice and true patriotism.
