Say what you want about NFL Quarterback, Colin Kapernick, but don’t say his talk doesn’t match his walk. Kapernick caused some controversy and gained a legion of fans when during the pre-season football when he chose to kneel during the national anthem. With the 49ers on a bye week, Colin Kaepernick used some of his down time to organize and host an event to help youth learn their rights. The event was held at an Oakland community center with the help of several volunteers.
“We want to teach you today about financial literacy, how you can pursue higher education, how you can be physically fit and healthy,” the quarterback told the campers (via the New York Daily News). “We will talk about police brutality, and what to do about it, but we also have lawyers, professors, health and fitness experts, because we want you to be able to live the life of your dreams.” Inspired by the Black Panthers’ “Ten-Point Program” Kaepernick offered the campers a list of 10 rights they should know:
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.
He also provided all of the youth with backpacks, shirts, meals and much more. “This is just the beginning, man,” Kaepernick said. “What we’ve done here today in Oakland, we want to do all over the country, in cities all over this country, by bringing together local leaders, local activists and local youth, and not only giving them the skills and lessons they need, but we want to show them how much we love and value them.” We can’t wait for this to hit other cities, way to pay it forward Kapernick, this is so needed.
