August 26
On August 26, 2016, NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick for the first time publicly addressed taking a knee during the national anthem.
At the end of a preseason game in 2016, then San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick speaks for the first time about his decision to sit for the national anthem.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
Sources
A&E Television Networks. (n.d.). Quarterback Colin Kaepernick sits during national anthem, gives interview about it for the first time | August 26, 2016. History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/colin-kaepernick-kneels-during-national-anthem
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