WASHINGTON – Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick received a new award from the American Civil Liberties Union recognizing contributions to American thought and culture.
Kaepernick and rock star Bruce Springsteen were honored Friday night with the ACLU Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science, and Sports. The honor comes a decade after Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem in protest against police violence and racial inequality.
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“We know our civil liberties are under attack, we know humanity is under attack, education is under attack. They are trying to encroach on our rights, encroach on our dignity, encroach on the future that we want to build together,” Kaepernick stated in his acceptance speech. “When we look back at this moment, it will not be the speeches that change the direction of history. It’s going to be whether we decided: Are we going to build the schools or not? Are we going to defend the rights of others, or are we going to watch? Are we going to build community together, or are we going to stand in isolation?
“The consequences of these decisions are going to be the reality that the future generations inherit.”
Kaepernick’s protest began a broader movement, initially joined by teammate Eric Reid and others, but it also drew significant criticism from politicians, team owners, and fellow players. In 2017, Kaepernick and Reid filed collusion grievances against the NFL, alleging that they were blacklisted for their activism. They reached a settlement in 2019.
“He demonstrated in real time the price America too often exacts from those who challenge racial injustice,” remarked Deborah Archer, the ACLU’s president. “His peaceful protest was met with extraordinary personal sacrifice. He lost the career he spent his life building. He became the target of criticism, hostility, and relentless public attack, and yet he never retreated.”
Springsteen, who closed the event with a solo rendition of “Streets of Minneapolis,” joined Kaepernick in receiving the award during an awards ceremony hosted by actress Laverne Cox.
“It’s important for us to recognize all of the people who are contributing to the fight to protect civil rights and civil liberties,” Archer added. “Those folks — actors, athletes — have all shown up in incredibly powerful ways.”
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