There has been a lot of discussion surrounding Colin Kaepernick and his decision to forego participating in the National Anthem. Pundits, columnists, and even former teammates are attempting to disparage Kaepernick by referring to him as arrogant, disrespectful and even un-American.

The San Francisco quarterback has stated that he is unwilling to stand until this country's actions reflect the lyrics of the anthem itself. Kaepernick, who was adopted by his two white parents, is tired of the oppression of black people and people of color. His comments were directly in reference to the brutalization of black and brown bodies at the hands of police in this country. Kaepernick is not the first athlete to refuse to stand for the anthem in a time of racial and societal unrest. Mohammed Ali and Jackie Robinson were also notorious for doing this as well and like Kaepernick, they understood that their influence transcended the limits of the sport's arena.

Additionally, many people are unaware of the original lyrics of the anthem. There are many people who refuse to sing it in virtue on the historical bigotry intertwined in the words to the very song we ritually sing at sporting events. Click the attached link to gain a more detailed understanding of the historical meaning.

http://www.theroot.com/articles/history/2016/07/star-spangled-bigotry-the-hidden-racist-history-of-the-national-anthem/

Also, I think that there is something that needs clarification. Those who support the Black Lives Matter movement are not claiming that every single police officer in the force is a virulent racist. We, like most Americans, appreciate the sacrifices and services of the great men and women who put their lives on the line every single day. However, it is deeply troubling to know that many of these people complicity serve a system that is fatally flawed. Denying that microagressions, preconceived notions, a lack of cultural awareness and yes, even racism, have played a part in many of these shootings is ridiculous. I would like to hear one person give me a plausible justification as to why a 12-year-old, unarmed boy was gunned down on the side of the street by police.

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality." -Tutu

People are tired of injustice. I am tired and I dare someone to try to make the argument that I am “unpatriotic.” I wholeheartedly believe in America and its ability to progress further than it ever has. Colin Kaepernick was sending a message that said the people in this country need to live up to the morals and principles it claims to uphold. I agree.

The night after Alton Sterling was killed, my boyfriend left the house in the middle of the night. He is a 6’4” African American whose stature is intimidating and voice, deep and commanding. Would they say he was threatening the same way? Upon his exit to the door, I broke down into tears and asked God to keep him and protect him from all harm.

Why was I fearful for his life? Why do I compulsively and nervously check my rearview mirror every single time I see a police officer knowing that I am a law-abiding citizen? Because there is a flaw in this system that we have a RIGHT to want to be repaired and corrected. If you have a problem with African-Americans and other people of color in the United States of America having a desire to be treated with dignity and fairness, I don't know what to tell you.