Colin Kaepernick has been named as one of the recipients of the 2020 John F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award. The awards are given to people who demonstrate a commitment to social change.
“In 2017, I was in the audience honoring Mr. Harry Belafonte as he accepted the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award,” Kaepernick said in a release. “I am humbled to follow the footsteps of individuals like Mr. B and to be in the company of all the other laureates. Thank you for this prestigious award.”
Kaepernick has been a voice for social justice issues since he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest against police brutality and racial injustices. Although he has not been in the league since 2016, he continues to use his platform to bring awareness to these issues.
His Know Your Rights Camp has covered legal fees for protesters who were arrested during the George Floyd protests. “Thx to your support, we’ve expanded the @yourrightscamp legal defense initiative nationally to defend arrested Freedom Fighters,” he wrote on Instagram. “We’re also working to file civil rights cases against police for their terroristic acts. Keep fighting back! Link in bio #wegotus.”
His charity also donated $1.75 million to minority communities to help fight the spread of COVID-19 and help those who are currently incarcerated.
Kaep’s charity is donating $800,000 in grants to 13 groups in communities that are “disproportionately” affected by the pandemic. They have also teamed up with Impossible Foods to help families who have experienced “food insecurity” since the pandemic began.
Earlier this month, the former San Francisco 49ers star announced a partnership with Disney to develop new content. “I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives,” Kaepernick said in a statement. “I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”
Kaepernick will receive his John F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award virtually on December 10, which is also known as National Human Rights Day.