Colin Kaepernick shares video celebrating 3-year anniversary of kneeling during anthem
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to playing the Los Angeles Rams in their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clar
(FOX NEWS) - Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick on Wednesday shared a video on social media commemorating the three-year anniversary of when he first kneeled in protest during the national anthem at games.
Kaepernick first kneeled during the national anthem during a preseason game in 2016. His protest sparked a firestorm across the NFL with several players joining in, or raising a first, during “The Star-Spangled Banner” - a protest that still continues three years later.
“Today marks the three year anniversary of the first time I protested systemic oppression. I continue to work and stand with the people in our fight for liberation, despite those who are trying to erase the movement! The movement has always lived with the people!” he tweeted.
The video features graphic footage from high-profile police shootings, including those of Walter Scott in South Carolina and Alton Sterling in Louisiana, among others.
Kaepernick’s voice is heard saying: “How can you stand for the national anthem of a nation that preaches and propagates freedom and justice for all that is so unjust to many of the people living in it?"
The next clip shows the ex-San Francisco 49ers player explaining why he was protesting during the national anthem and telling reporters it was to call attention to perceived social and racial injustices in the U.S. He said he was doing it for those who don’t have a voice.
WARNING: GRAPHIC FOOTAGE
The video also features several relatives of those who were killed in police-involved incidents, including Michael Brown’s father. Kaepernick also invokes Tamir Rice, Philando Castile and Stephon Clark – all who were killed in police-involved incidents.
Kaepernick has not played in the league since the 2016 season after opting out of his contract. He shared a video last week reminding NFL teams he was “still ready” to play if called upon.