Here is the opening to @Kaepernick7 “KNOW YOUR RIGHTS” event for underprivileged youth and homeless in Oakland, Richmond and San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/qn2d51OldM
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) October 29, 2016
While the San Francisco 49ers were on their bye Week, QB Colin Kaepernick hosted a camp educating underprivileged Bay Area children about political protest, health and education on Saturday, Oct. 29.
After nearly three months of kneeling in protest, Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights” camp serves as an extension of his national anthem protest bringing awareness to police brutality in America.
“We want to teach you today about financial literacy, how you can pursue higher education, how you can be physically fit and healthy,” he said at the camp.
In addition, he introduced a 10-point plan to address some of the issues he believes Black youth face today:
You have the right to be free.
You have the right to be healthy.
You have the right to be brilliant.
You have the right to be safe.
You have the right be loved.
You have the right to be courageous.
You have the right to be alive.
You have the right to be trusted.
You have the right to be educated.
You have the right to know your rights.
During an exclusive with ESPN’s The Undefeated and “Sports Center,” the QB comments on backlash from critics and the incredible support from fans. In reference to criticism, he says it is to be expected.
“… I didn’t agree with what was going on … The kids, the community, the support that everyone else saw and was like you know what I believe in what that movement is … Things that hurt — I haven’t really focused on that too much. Because part of the oppressive system is that you are going to have that backlash for trying to fight for people.”
After being asked if he feels pressure to succeed on the football field, he minces no words and says “No.” Kaepernick feels that football is only a job. He tells the interviewer that his protest is about his beliefs and that it goes beyond his profession.
