In 2016, Colin Kaepernick made it his personal mission to combat police brutality. No matter the cost to him – financially, socially and emotionally, Kaepernick chose to stand alone for a cause he obviously deeply believes in.
Some have lauded his efforts while some have condemned him. Kaepernick’s choice to kneel during the playing of the National Anthem at NFL games has stirred many emotions.
On April 21, Kaepernick was bestowed with a 2018 Ambassador of Conscience Award from Amnesty International for his activism against racism.
We are honored to present this year’s #AmbassadorOfConscience Award to Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7). Colin embodies the true spirit of activism. Thank you, Colin, for refusing to accept racial discrimination and injustice. pic.twitter.com/T9x6MP9unA
— AmnestyInternational (@amnestyusa) April 21, 2018
Kaepernick thanked the organisation for the award, in a heartfelt message.
“I would like 2 thank Amnesty International 4 The Ambassador of Conscience Award.But in truth,this is an award that I share with all of the countless people throughout the world combating the human rights violations of police officers.”@amnesty @yourrightscamp @RAVisionMedia pic.twitter.com/JkwiJnB3eA
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) April 22, 2018
Some are surprised, others are dismayed. Either way, with the turn of events happening every day regarding racial relations, the racial divide does not seem to be ending.
However, If anything, now it is more visible whose standing on either side of the fence.
Here are the responses Kaepernick’s recognition is garnering:
Divide the country seriously dude from your end that’s how it look but for me × others he brought what was going on in our communities × what was going on with unarmed black men’s getting murder without repercussions you want divide look at the WH
— LastOfARareBreed (@AnthonySpann11) April 22, 2018
I don’t agree with that at all I believe in equality for all race, genders, S/O, so on. I do not believe in disrespecting the men and women who serve our country and lose a piece of themselves doing so. My hubby & my dad are Veterans I’ve seen 1st hand what war takes from them
— Mary (@MiMiCldwl87) April 22, 2018
CONGRATULATIONS Colin, on a well deserved honor.
— Winona Orange (@_wcorange) April 21, 2018
Great award, well deserved. But can you get him back in the NFL?
— ICanSeeClearlyNow (@Partyof2020) April 23, 2018
— Ricky (@RickyAlanJr) April 23, 2018
#Congrats #ColinKaepernick ???????
But I still say ??#AmnestyInternational— ❤BLACK Like ME?? (@MsSpice9) April 22, 2018
Listen I’m all for doing what’s right and to speak your peace,but were you in chains though? If we keep living the past we will never move forward!I love all nationalities, but I don’t like hearing who done your ancestors wrong and ppl wanna constantly make ppl now suffer for it!
— Chrisy (@JerseyQueen75) April 22, 2018
Racial injustice, institutionalized racism, generational lateral oppression, Is not in the past it is present every single day.
— Deborah Cocker (@kiowaroamer) April 23, 2018
My opinion is that you have rewarded an outright fool who is not worthy of being mentioned but being a “political correct ” institution you will take every step to make sure president Trump is painted black in an ongoing trip of self rightnousness.
— f.m.claessens (@cubisticlines) April 22, 2018
Maybe Colin’s calling is higher than the NFL. Keep working for justice!
— Judy K (@baseballgods16) April 22, 2018
Congratulations Colin. You deserve this. pic.twitter.com/hfVTLgQCOP
— Melissa Izquierdo (@melvan1104) April 22, 2018
@NFL Why is there no mention of @Kaepernick7 @amnestyusa award on your website? Embarrassed much? You should be proud to have him n your league; instead you are ignoring him. Shameful.
— Eileen Andes (@OneoftheGracers) April 22, 2018
— 5 Comedy Albums (@alyciacooper) April 22, 2018
Well deserved ❤?❤?
— Yann (@yanndatgrlfine) April 22, 2018
I guess @NFL and @nflcommish saw this already. Hmmph.
— Shuri Johnson ?? ?? ?? (@Andiejo65) April 22, 2018
It’s great to see wealth and influence used to help society. Like when those @NFL players went to the city councils of their home team and demanded to know what non-lethal policing methods and technologies they were implementing. #parklandstudentsspeak #MillionairesClub
— EB (@EclecticBob) April 22, 2018
Congratulations don’t stop doing what you believe in because you have the right and no one can take that away from you great are you
— Elaine Williams (@ElaineW49791542) April 22, 2018
What a joke.
— Derrick Shirley (@derrickplus6) April 22, 2018
Not my ambassador!!
— David Morris (@Demorris56David) April 22, 2018
I just unliked this so I could like it twice! Well chosen!
— HeatherV. (@ChefHeather1) April 22, 2018
— Sal E Sue (@SalESue6) April 22, 2018
And the nfl wants no part in this becuz ???? pic.twitter.com/Y3RcBQJ0xn
— 206-SEA (@206SEA_) April 22, 2018
@TomiLahren is shook pic.twitter.com/MfyI0MGyWy
— robbie (@robbie______) April 22, 2018