Colin Kaepernick Holds ‘Know Your Rights’ Camp For Bay Area Youth
When Colin Kaepernick first let his passion for social justice become public, many critics wondered if he was just making a statement or if he’d actually try and improve the world he saw. He’s already proven that he’s willing to do the work, but he continues to do so in a variety of ways.
During the San Francisco 49ers BYE week, Kaepernick hosted a “Know Your Rights” camp for local activists and community members to interact with hundreds of kids from the Bay Area, according to the New York Daily News.
The camp focused on police brutality, but also introduced campers to lawyers and doctors, financial literacy training and included tips on leading a healthier lifestyle so that they could achieve their dreams.
“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.”
Kaepernick also gave the campers t-shirts that read off the following 10 rights they should know on the back, which the Daily News‘ Shaun King says were inspired by the Black Panther Party’s 10 point plan.
- 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.
Colin Kaepernick, doing the work, fostering change, forging a legacy || https://t.co/EYErRjxuwn || pic.twitter.com/aY9fv0NZWm
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) October 30, 2016
“We’re here today to fight back and give you all lessons to combat the oppressive issues that our people face on a daily basis. We’re here to give you tools to help you succeed,” he said. “We’re going to give you knowledge on policing history, what the systems of policing in America were based on, and we’re also going to teach you skills to make sure you always make it home safely.”
Hopefully, Kaepernick’s legacy as a champion of social justice will continue to grow, long after his days in the NFL are over.