Colin Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since 2016, following his kneeling protest during the national anthem to bring awareness to racial injustices. Leading up to Sunday night’s Super Bowl LIII game, several celebrities shared their support for the former 49ers quarterback.
“I will not be a spectator, viewer or supporter of the #SuperBowl today in protest of the @NFL’s racist treatment of @Kaepernick7 and its ongoing disregard for the health + well-being of all its players,” filmmaker Ava DuVernay tweeted. “To watch the game is to compromise my beliefs. It’s not worth it #ImWithKap.”
I will not be a spectator, viewer or supporter of the #SuperBowl today in protest of the @NFL’s racist treatment of @Kaepernick7 and its ongoing disregard for the health + well-being of all its players. To watch the game is to compromise my beliefs. It’s not worth it. #ImWithKap pic.twitter.com/fNEeke0crs
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 3, 2019
Prior to the big game, other prominent figures including LeBron James and Charlamagne
The legend himself, Harry Belafonte! Your legacy speaks for itself, and continued support means the world to me!✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/oxrj16macD
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) February 4, 2019
During the Super Bowl, Kaepernick shared images of his supporters on social media including civil rights activist/award-winning singer Harry Belafonte and young actress Storm Reid.
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Christina Santi is a news and culture writer for EBONY.com. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, she considers herself a well-read, not so traditional feminist with a heavy interest in music, fashion and pop culture. Christina currently lives in New York City, where she refers to her Cuban & Jamaican descent often while writing about her experiences as a first-generation Afro-Latinx in America. She also devotes time writing personalized reading material for her tutees and turning ideas into words for streetwear brand, PUER By Noel Bronson.