For those who don’t know, Colin Kaepernick has been doing a lot for social justice and activism over the last year. The NFL quarterback has taken a stand, supporting the Black Lives Matter activist group, and began the protest of kneeling during the national anthem during NFL games. Kaepernick protested as a way to speak out against inequality, racial injustice and police brutality in America. While many people believe what he has been doing is “anti-American,” I’d argue that the way in which minority groups of Americans have been treated is much more “anti-American,” than peaceful protests.
On Tuesday, Kaepernick received the prestigious Sports Illustrated’s Muhammad Ali Legacy Award and as a surprise, was introduced by Beyoncé.
Trevor Noah, political satire journalist, announced the surprise presenter and Kaepernick was completely taken off guard.
Beyoncé said in her opening:
“Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion, only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception, to change the way we treat each other, especially people of color.”
Beyoncé presents @SInow's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award to @Kaepernick7. #Sportsperson pic.twitter.com/PahPgKr4HG
— BEYONCÉ LEGION 𐚁 (@BeyLegion) December 6, 2017
Last year’s winner of the award, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also said that Kaepernick deserved the award and then some.
“He fully embraced the risk to his career in order to remind Americans of the systemic racism that was denying African-Americans their opportunities to equal education, jobs, health and even their lives.”
After receiving the award, Kaepernick claimed:
“With or without the NFL’s platform, I will continue to work for the people.”
Beyoncé presents Colin Kaepernick with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award at the Sports Illustrated Awards tonight! pic.twitter.com/U9J4gwmGdA
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 6, 2017
I truly believe this award was well-deserved and that Kaepernick shows the kind of ambition and social justice understanding many people in America need to have.
Thank you very much to Sports Illustrated for the honor of the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. I am humbled and honored to share this with the people.
📸: @KarlFergusonJr pic.twitter.com/EtgoCXmu9l
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) December 6, 2017
Twitter users happen to agree.
Colin Kaepernick wins Muhammad Ali Legacy Award: MUCH DESERVED! The racist and heartless people in this nation care less about the suffering and oppression Blacks and minorities endure. I am grateful for Kaepernick’s courage to protest the injustices in this racist country.
— Tziona Yisrael (@Afraqueen) December 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/MadisonSiriusXM/status/936336037248462853
Well deserved . Ali would be proud. Colin Kaepernick you are truly living an honorable life. So selfless. Thank you for all your sacrifices. https://t.co/lhUtRmR1sU
— Lisa Whittington (@LiLiWhittWhitt) December 6, 2017
Colin Kaepernick is the recipient of the 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. Very well deserved. https://t.co/FrPKOn64CS
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) December 1, 2017