Beyonce presents Colin Kaepernick with SI Muhammad Ali Legacy Award
Beyoncé made a
surprise appearance at the Sports Illustrated ceremony where
she presented Colin Kaepernick with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.
The artist and
activist honoured the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback with the award for
using his platform to protest against police brutality and racial
injustice, including the powerful, symbolic moment where he sparked the 'take a
knee' movement by kneeling during the US national anthem before games.
After the first time he sat out during the national
anthem, Kaepernick explained at a press conference: "I am not going
to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people,
and people of colour.
"To me, this is bigger than football, and it
would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the
street, and people getting paid leave, and getting away with murder."
As she thanked Kaepernick on stage, Beyonce said:
"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 colour. We're still waiting for the
world to catch up."
She also addressed
the criticism, which was exacerbated by US President Donald Trump, of
sports players who chose to kneel during the national anthem, as some claimed it
was a sign of disrespect to the military and to the American flag. After Trump referred to those kneeling
as "sons of bitches", entire teams began linking arms or kneeling as
a display of solidarity.
"It's been
said that racism is so American that when we protest racism, some
assume we're protesting America. So let's be very clear," Beyonce said.
"Colin has always been very respectful of the individuals who selflessly
serve and protect our country and our communities and our families.
His message is
solely focused on social injustice for historically disenfranchised people.
Let's not get that mistaken."
Accepting the award, Kaepernick said: "With or
without the NFL's platform, I will continue to work for the people because my
platform is the people."
FROM
INDEPENDENT.com
No comments