Sunday evening (Nov. 26) the 30th Annual Soul Train Awards aired exclusively on BET, with Erykah Badu returning to host the ceremony for the third consecutive year.
To kick off the evening, the beloved R&B singer decided to open the celebrations with a message standing in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.
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During her opening speech, Badu took a knee and began addressing the star-studded audience.
“Kap we appreciate you giving your life,” she said, being met with immediate applause. “Giving up your dream because you believe in us.”
Throughout the rest of her opening remarks, the singer remained on one knee, inviting those in the crowd to raise their fists in solidarity as she got a few jabs in about Donald Trump and the political climate since he became president.
Since beginning his silent protest last year, Kaepernick has garnered the support of many celebrities and musicians, with JAY-Z recently pausing his set to dedicate a track to those facing discrimination and to publicly express his support of Kaepernick’s ongoing efforts to positively influence the Black community.
See Erykah Badu taking a knee during the 2017 Soul Train Awards below.