Honored Amongst The Greatest

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I've been proud of many people over the years - - - people of different age groups, races, creeds, and ethnicities. Colin Kaepernick, 30 years old, is amongst my Top 10 list of activists and philanthropists.

-GPS

"Two years after he first took a knee in protest on the football field, Colin Kaepernick was awarded the W.E.B. DuBois Medal by Harvard University on 10/11/18.  The medal is considered one of Harvard's highest honors and is given to people who have made significant contributions to African-American history and culture. Previous recipients include Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, among others."  -CNN

Imagine that. A prestigious educational institution like Harvard has honored a man who just a few years ago was ridiculed and even threatened. His action to "stand for something" (or should I say kneel for something) sparked a passionate conversation amongst Americans and across the oceans. Many will say that Kapernick's actions did more harm than good. I say, au contraire.  The stage curtain was drawn open many years ago and with a different cast, the spotlight is still on racism and police brutality.  *We just cannot ignore what is wrong with that picture. We should stand in support whenever we have the opportunity to do what is right, not only for the present time but for future generations. There will always be an opportunity to do what is right. 

#CountMeIn

-GPS

Kaepernick has the support of Nike, Ford Motors, many other companies, professional coaches, professional athletes, and hundreds of thousands of fans and even people who do not follow professional football yet supported Kaepernick's protest against injustice.

-GPS

Power is not power when misused.  -GPS

Never Was About The Flag

Colin's decision to kneel on the football field sidelines as a NFL player in protest of police brutality of Black Americans, discrimination and inequality was a noble effort. In my view, his protest was a display of pride and justifies his W.E.B. Dubois Medal.  Pride is bred in the soul, in fair treatment of others, love for all people, and intolerance of inequality....not in a flag nor anthem. The flag and the National Anthem have no substance without equality and fairness for all, especially since it was written in the 1800s.

-GPS

"I won't stand to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way."  

-Colin Kaepernick (2016 statement)

Moving The Needle

Colin Kaepernick, who ranks among the most divisive and socially conscious figures in sports, has donated a percentage of his earnings to organizations (School On Wheels, Angel by Nature, Mothers Against Police Brutality, Youth Service, and more) over the years.  He continued his activism, despite not playing during the 2017 NFL season.  Other celebrities have matched his donations.  

#PeopleHelpingPeople

 -GPS