While many Americans find Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest an affront to American pride, there are many others who find it inspiring.
One group which represents the latter in this cultural divide, the California-based Courage Campaign, will be supporting Kaepernick with a banner that will fly over New Era Field Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Buffalo Bills.
In a press release, the group announced the banner will read, “@CourageCampaign: Kap Inspires Courage!”
The Executive Director of Courage Campaign, Eddie Kurtz, offered his thoughts on the move.
“Colin Kaepernick has shown true courage in standing up for black lives in the manner he’s chosen,” said Kurtz. “He’s been powerfully effective in spreading his message, and he’s inspired people from his teammates on the 49ers to high school students around the nation to support his message and join him in protest.
“When stars like Kaepernick publicly take a stand for black lives, it magnifies the cultural force of a much larger movement. With Kaepernick drawing targeted, racist hate from those who have the audacity to question his patriotism, there is no better time to stand with Kaepernick and send messages of support to him and other teammates, players, and coaches who have stood by him,” added Kurtz.
The group is also holding a rally in concert with Just Resisting (JR) and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) at outside of Gate 5 at the start of the game. Activists will kneel in support of Kaepernick’s message, that all citizens deserve to call America the land of the free, no matter the color their skin.
The group will also be calling on Bills head coach Rex Ryan to renounce his endorsement of Donald Trump.
Courage Campaign had previously sponsored a billboard in Oakland to support Kaepernick and his protest.
While many stand opposed to #Kaepernick and his protest, many consider it the most patriotic thing he can do. @CourageCampaign pic.twitter.com/HzxrAcluzD
— Jesse Reed (@JesseReed78) October 14, 2016
Clearly, Kaepernick’s cause is traveling well right now. He’s getting a chance to start a game for the 49ers for the first time this year. And he’ll be bringing his message of social equality with him in a major way.