Les Lester's Chronicle, Message Board

Les Lester's Chronicle, Message Board
[ Les Lester's Chronicle, Message Board ]

Taking a Knee

Posted by Maestro on 8/26/2025, 6:56 am

Today, 2016, Twenty-nine-year-old Colin Kaepernick, entering his prime years as an NFL quarterback, took a knee during the National Anthem before a pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

This 1 minute and 30 second protest against police brutality set the stage for massive protests across the nation, including one that is considered the largest in American history (George Floyd protest). Colin's actions ended his NFL career.

There is no place for protest in the sport of American football. Radical sports journalist David Zirin said it best: football is a sport whose DNA is constructed to produce obedience and deference to authority.

Despite being blackballed from the sport he so passionately loved to play, Colin has done well for himself; he still fights the good fight, and it has not gone unnoticed. He is the recipient of the Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award, the American Civil Liberties Union Eason Monroe Courageous Advocate Award, the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award, the Harvard University W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, and the Ripple of Hope Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

Colin's courage and sacrifice place his name alongside other well-known sports activists like Curt Flood, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, John Carlos and Paul Robeson.

Re: Taking a Knee

Posted by Les on 8/26/2025, 11:46 am, in reply to "Taking a Knee"

Thanks, Maestro. It just makes sense to use one's platform to address much-needed
constructive concerns in our society.

Kudos to Colin Kaepernick and those who stand up for doing the right thing.

Previous Message

Re: Taking a Knee

Posted by gm on 8/26/2025, 5:34 pm, in reply to "Taking a Knee"

A necessary post and a necessary reminder given our current political atmosphere and the rise of the MAGA movement!

I followed the whole thing but didn't realize Colin had received so many honors. Well deserved! I think the NAACP honored him too, I think. But then, the Black community didn't embrace Kaepernick enough, from my observation, though many gave him props!

btw, I think Spike Lee & Colin Kaepernick & ESPN were supposed to be doing a documentary on the whole thing but from what I hear the project has fallen apart. I wonder why!

Also, i'd add the name Tommie Smith to your list.

Yes, the iconic Tommie Smith and John Carlos… .

Posted by Les on 8/27/2025, 5:02 am, in reply to "Re: Taking a Knee"

Indeed, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, won the gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the 200 meters in the 1968 Olympic Games.

Their iconic Black power salute added to the pantheon of Black athletes who have utilized their platforms for the greater liberation struggle.