07/24/26 10:21:00
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07/24 22:20 CDT Kaepernick, Springsteen receive new ACLU award for activism in
arts, business, science and sports
Kaepernick, Springsteen receive new ACLU award for activism in arts, business,
science and sports
By NOAH TRISTER
AP Sports Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) --- Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick received a new
award from the American Civil Liberties Union recognizing contributions to
American thought and culture.
Kaepernick and rock star Bruce Springsteen were honored Friday night with the
ACLU Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in
the Arts, Business, Science and Sports. The honor comes a decade after
Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem in protest against police violence
and racial inequality.
"We know our civil liberties are under attack, we know humanity is under
attack, education is under attack. They are trying to encroach on our rights,
encroach on our dignity, encroach on the future that we want to build
together," Kaepernick said in his acceptance speech. "When we look back at this
moment, it will not be the speeches that change the direction of history. It's
going to be whether we decided: Are we going to build the schools or not? Are
we going to defend the rights of others, or are we going to watch? Are we going
to build community together, or are we going to stand in isolation?
"The consequences of these decisions are going to be the reality that the
future generations inherit."
Kaepernick was joined in protest by teammate Eric Reid and others, but he also
drew criticism from politicians, team owners and other players. Kaepernick and
Reid filed collusion grievances against the NFL in 2017, saying they were
blacklisted. They reached a settlement in 2019.
"He demonstrated in real time the price America too often exacts from those who
challenge racial injustice," said Deborah Archer, the ACLU's president. "His
peaceful protest was met with extraordinary personal sacrifice. He lost the
career he spent his life building. He became the target of criticism, hostility
and relentless public attack, and yet he never retreated."
Springsteen --- who closed the event with a solo rendition of "Streets of
Minneapolis" --- and Kaepernick were honored as part of an awards ceremony
hosted by actress Laverne Cox.
"It's important for us to recognize all of the people who are contributing to
the fight to protect civil rights and civil liberties," Archer said. "Those
folks --- actors, athletes --- these folks have all shown up in incredibly
powerful ways."
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