In a time where so much turmoil and anger has ripped communities across the nation apart, we wanted to pay tribute to those who have utilized nonviolent, silent protests to make their voices heard. From the civil rights protests of the 1960s to Colin Kaepernick’s quiet defiance, we salute those who aren’t afraid to take a stand for what they believe in and understand that hate and violence aren’t the way.
Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem Protest
Colin Kaepernick is the latest athlete to truly leverage his star power to raise awareness about racial and social issues facing our nation. During NFL preseason, Kaepernick chose to sit and then kneel during the National Anthem. While some criticized Kaepernick’s action, chastising him for a lack of respect, Kaepernick eloquently explained his actions, saying, “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. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
