The first amendment states that “congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

The first amendment is a well known alienable right among all people. It is respected and emphasized as the most important constitutional right. Colin Kaepernick, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers has recently exercised this right by peacefully protesting during a preseason game.

On August 26 2016 Kaepernick sat during the national anthem, refusing to stand stating “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,”… 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.”

Kaepernick’s protest ignited national controversy and rage. He continued to explain to the media that his stance is for those who do not have a voice, showing support for the oppressed and emphasizing the brutality that continues.

Even though Kaep’s peaceful protest has received great backlash he still continues to kneel until the wrongdoings against minorities comes to an end.

Many have labeled Kaep as un-American, unpatriotic, a disgrace, and many other malicious names. Bashing him for his beliefs and right to protest. People are not focused on his message but rather the way in which he chooses to show it. That is the problem and quite ironic actually considering the fact that his actions are to help the American people, making his stance beyond patriotic.

People do not have to agree with his form of protest, but they must understand why he is doing it. That is the point. Kaepernick’s protest has grabbed the media’s attention along with everyone else’s and that’s exactly what is needed to evoke change. Kaep has used his voice and platform status to raise awareness on racial oppression.

Kaepernick has gained support from not only fellow athletes but from people all over the U.S.

Here is a timeline provided by circa.com on the growing support for Kaep.

Sept. 1

Kaepernick continued to protest into September, but was eventually joined by his teammate Eric Reid. Reid had expressed support for the protest before the game, and he kneeled down next to Kaepernick.
Sept. 4
Before a National Women’s Soccer League game, U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe kneeled during the National Anthem.
After the game, she said the action was a nod to Colin Kaepernick

Sept. 9

Denver Bronco Brandon Marshall became the first NFL protester to kneel during the anthem before a game.

Sept. 11

A load of the Miami Dolphins took a knee during a game staged on the anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers. They did stand for the acknowledgement of the tragedy, but that didn’t stop people for criticizing them for being insensitive.

Sept. 11

On the same day that the Dolphins all kneeled during the anthem before their game, the Kansas Chiefs all linked arms during the anthem before their game. Cornerback Marcus Peters even held up a fist for the duration of the song.

The Seattle Seahawks also linked arms during the anthem.

Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots also raised their fists during the playing of the anthem.

Sept. 12

Kaepernick and Reid continued kneeling before the game.

Robert Quinn and Kenny Britt of the Los Angeles Rams stood with their fists raised in the air.
Sept. 14:

On Wednesday morning, Missouri State Senator Jamilah Nasheed took a seat during the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the session. Nasheed said in a statement that Colin Kaepernick had inspired her protest.

These are just a few of the people who are following in Kaepernick’s footsteps. Even Pitman high school students here on campus have shared their support for the athlete and fellow Pitman alumi.

“I fully support Kaepernick and his beliefs, he has the right to protest and i’m glad that he is influencing others to do the same.” – student

“Kaepernick is raising awareness he is right about the oppression of people of color, he is right about police brutality, he is right when he says we need change it needs to happen.” – student

“People should not value a piece of cloth more than they value their fellow Americans that is the problem. Kaepernick was not being disrespectful he’s showing compassion for his fellow Americans and pointing out wrongs that need to be corrected.” – student

“My family and I have always supported Kaep and we will continue to. We need to raise awareness.” – student

“I’m taking a knee with Kaepernick…his stance is one that needs to be heard.”
-student

The support for Kaepernick continues to grow. People have found their own ways of peaceful protesting to share his stance. Look at his message not his form of protesting. Kaepernick will continue to take a knee until change is made.

http://circa.com/circa-now/trending/heres-a-timeline-of-the-collin-kaepernick-saga

Colin Kaepernick has strong response to being called ‘un-American’

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17444691/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-sits-again-national-anthem
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691077/article/colin-kaepernick-explains-why-he-sat-during-national-anthem
https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment