Kaepernick on ACLU Award: 'Humanity Is Under Attack'
Newser • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick received the ACLU Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, recognizing his contributions to American thought and culture alongside Bruce Springsteen.
- The award comes ten years after Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police violence and racial inequality, a stance that sparked widespread criticism and personal sacrifice.
- Kaepernick emphasized the importance of collective action in defending civil liberties and building a better future during his acceptance speech.
- Kaepernick and teammate Eric Reid filed collusion grievances against the NFL, alleging blacklisting, which were settled in 2019.
- The ceremony, hosted by actress Laverne Cox, highlighted the role of artists, athletes, and public figures in advancing civil rights and liberties.
