Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback known for starting a controversial protest, has joined Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai as a recipient of a prestigious award.
Kaepernick has been honoured with Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award for 2018, presented yesterday at an official ceremony in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
He confronted racial injustice.
He refused to compromise.
He inspired others.
Athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) is our Ambassador of #Conscience 2018. pic.twitter.com/b0XULdEhQ0— AmnestyInternational (@amnesty) April 21, 2018
Kaepernick is famous for his protesting of racial inequality by taking a knee before games. Starting in the 2016 pre-season of the American National Football League, he kneeled during the U.S. national anthem in response to the disproportionate number of black people being killed by police.
A wave of NFL players followed his example after Donald Trump criticised Kaepernick during a rally in Alabama.
Bigger than football. pic.twitter.com/3nMzaCdOhx
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 24, 2017
Unity. pic.twitter.com/puD77lwORk
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 24, 2017
“We’re thrilled to present athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick, who refused to ignore or accept racial discrimination, with the Ambassador of Conscience award. Thank you for your courage to act against injustice,” announced Amnesty International.
Eric Reid, professional American football player, and Colin Kaepernick’s former teammate, continued to show his support as he presented Colin Kaepernick with the Ambassador of Conscience award.
“Seeking the truth, finding the truth, telling the truth and living the truth has been, and always will be what guides my actions,” said Kaepernick during his acceptance speech. “It is our love for 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was gunned down by the police in less than two seconds that will not allow us to bury our anger.”
"It is only fitting that I have the honor of Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) introducing me for this award. In many ways, my recognition would not be possible without our brotherhood," @Kaepernick7 said in his #AmbassadorOfConscience Award speech tonight. pic.twitter.com/boFiX0d9Ez
— AmnestyInternational (@amnesty) April 21, 2018
“While taking a knee is a physical display that challenges the merits of who is excluded from the notion of freedom, liberty, and justice for all, the protest is also rooted in a convergence of my moralistic beliefs, and my love for the people,” he said.
The Ambassador of Conscience Award is Amnesty International’s highest honour, recognizing individuals who have promoted and enhanced the cause of human rights through their lives and by example.
He confronted racial injustice.
— AmnestyInternational (@amnestyusa) April 21, 2018
He refused to compromise.
He inspired others.
Colin Kaepernick is our #AmbassadorOfConscience 2018. pic.twitter.com/M2xyGAoviU
In 2017, sing-songwriter Alicia Keys shared the award with the movement of Indigenous peoples fighting for their rights in Canada.
