Kaepernick is set to receive the Muhammad Ali humanitarian award
Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback known for his protests against racial injustice that began a decade ago, has been named the recipient of the Muhammad Ali Center’s Humanitarian of the Year award. The ceremony will take place in Louisville on November 7, as announced by the organization on Tuesday.
The center announced that Kaepernick was chosen for his commitment to fighting racial injustice and for his work in supporting underserved communities through initiatives like the Know Your Rights Camp and other philanthropic efforts. “Colin has utilized his platform to champion equality, human dignity, and social change, even when it came at considerable personal and professional expense,” stated Lonnie Ali, the wife of the late boxing champion and the co-founder, president, and chief executive of the Muhammad Ali Center.
Kaepernick started kneeling during the U.S. national anthem before NFL games in 2016 to protest against police brutality and racial inequality. His actions garnered significant support and criticism, transformed anthem protests into a prominent national political issue, and motivated other athletes to take a stand.
He played his final NFL season in 2016 with the San Francisco 49ers. Kaepernick subsequently filed a grievance claiming that teams had conspired to prevent him from being signed due to his activism. In 2019, he arrived at a confidential settlement with the NFL.
‘A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE AND A SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITY’
In a statement, Kaepernick expressed that the award held particular importance due to Ali’s readiness to uphold his beliefs, regardless of the professional and personal repercussions. “Muhammad Ali embodied a rare bravery in steadfastly adhering to his principles, even when it resulted in significant personal sacrifice,” Kaepernick remarked. “Being acknowledged in his name is both a humbling experience and a significant responsibility.”
The Muhammad Ali Center, established in Louisville by the boxer and his spouse, advocates for principles linked to Ali’s public life, such as respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, and spirituality.
Previous honorees of the center’s Humanitarian of the Year award comprise former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal, singer Christina Aguilera, actor Michael J. Fox, and rapper and actor Common, as well as actors Patricia Arquette and Geena Davis.
The ceremony will honor Louisville philanthropists Steve and Amy Trager with the Kentucky Humanitarian Award in recognition of their community service.
Six young changemakers from around the globe will be honored at the 13th edition of the awards, which represent the center’s largest annual fundraiser and bolster its education, youth, and community initiatives.
