Colin Kaepernick National Anthem Update: After Kneeling, QB Won't Stand Until There Is Change

Colin Kaepernick has been causing quite a commotion since his refusal to stand last week for the national anthem. Seen kneeling at the San Francisco 49ers’ Thursday night game alongside teammate Eric Reed, it is becoming clear that the quarterback is sticking to his vow of not standing for the national anthem. According to ESPN, the athlete will kneel until he is satisfied with changes made to end racial oppression in the U.S.

CBS Sports reported that Kaepernick has been working to bring attention to racial inequality and promised to donate the first $1 million he makes this year to charities that help communities in need. After a talk with military veteran Nate Boyer and Reed, the three came to the conclusion that it was more respectful to kneel than to sit for the national anthem.

Kaepernick recalled his conversation with the two men as they discussed how to continue to get the message out in a way that doesn’t take away from the military as well as the men and women who fight for the country.

Although there is no telling if racial oppression will be addressed more thoroughly, Kaepernick is doing his part to continue to help others. The athlete and his girlfriend, radio personality Nessa, donated more than $60,000 worth of backpacks to students in Harlem and the South Bronx in New York City.

The couple recently held their first giveaway at Harlem RBI’s DREAM Charter School during orientation at the middle school. Although Kaepernick wasn’t present at the various events because of his commitment to the NFL, the athlete did share his thoughts on how important it is to give back to the youth.

“We must invest in our youth because they are the future leaders of our community,” the Nessa on Air site reported that Kaepernick said. “I want them to know that we appreciate and care for them. In doing so, we must provide all the necessary tools for them to succeed and I will do whatever I can to ensure we do that as a community.”