Colin Rand Kaepernick's Birthday
Who is Colin Rand Kaepernick?
Sports enthusiasts will respond that he is a former National Football League (NFL) player. He was a Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers for six seasons.
I am not a sports enthusiast. I don’t know the names of many football players. But, I know the name of Colin Kaepernick. Some community activists have described him as a civil rights activist who was launched into the public view when he decided to kneel during the playing of the national anthem on September 1, 2016.
There have been extensive debates about the purpose and impact of his decision to “take a knee.” I choose to see his action as a demonstration of his beliefs. He said:
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color.”
He lost his career in the NFL, but he has not lost his passion for standing up for racial justice.
His current work answers the question, “What can I do to help in the fight to end racism?”. He is starting with children. He and his partner, Nessa Diab, established the “Know Your Rights Camp,” an international movement with the mission “to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization, and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders.”
“We Are Free, You & Me” authored by Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab; illustrated by Gladys Jose.
Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab also co-authored a children’s picture book entitled, “We Are Free, You & Me.” Scholastic is collaborating with them. Andrea Davis Pinkney, vice president and editor-at-large for Scholastic, said, “Their triumphant anthem for all children celebrates the freedom that lives in everyone. This book’s read-aloud power will have kids rejoicing in their own brilliance and freedom!”
The book was released in the U.S. and Canada on October 1, 2024. The proceeds from the book will go to support the work of the Know Your Rights Camp.
What a wonderful gift this work will become to others.
Happy birthday, Colin!