WASHINGTON — Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been presented with a new honor from the American Civil Liberties Union, recognizing his impact on American thought and culture.
Kaepernick and rock musician Bruce Springsteen were both presented Friday evening with the ACLU Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science and Sports. The recognition arrives approximately ten years after Kaepernick first took a knee during the national anthem to protest police violence and racial inequality.
During his acceptance speech, Kaepernick spoke passionately about what he sees as ongoing threats to fundamental rights. “We know our civil liberties are under attack, we know humanity is under attack, education is under attack. They are trying to encroach on our rights, encroach on our dignity, encroach on the future that we want to build together,” he told the audience. “When we look back at this moment, it will not be the speeches that change the direction of history. It’s going to be whether we decided: Are we going to build the schools or not? Are we going to defend the rights of others, or are we going to watch? Are we going to build community together, or are we going to stand in isolation?”
“The consequences of these decisions are going to be the reality that the future generations inherit,” he added.
Kaepernick was not alone in his original protest — teammate Eric Reid and several others also joined him — but the demonstration attracted sharp criticism from politicians, team owners, and fellow players. In 2017, Kaepernick and Reid filed collusion grievances against the NFL, alleging they had been blacklisted from the league. The two sides reached a settlement in 2019.
ACLU President Deborah Archer spoke to the personal cost Kaepernick paid for his activism. “He demonstrated in real time the price America too often exacts from those who challenge racial injustice,” Archer said. “His peaceful protest was met with extraordinary personal sacrifice. He lost the career he spent his life building. He became the target of criticism, hostility and relentless public attack, and yet he never retreated.”
The awards ceremony was hosted by actress Laverne Cox. Springsteen closed out the evening with a solo performance of “Streets of Minneapolis.”
Archer also emphasized the broader importance of recognizing people from all walks of life who contribute to civil rights efforts. “It’s important for us to recognize all of the people who are contributing to the fight to protect civil rights and civil liberties,” she said. “Those folks — actors, athletes — these folks have all shown up in incredibly powerful ways.”
