Colin Kaepernick: Athlete Activist
Ahead of the new NFL season we profile Colin Kaepernick. He stirred controversy last year for sitting or kneeling during the anthem, in protest against the treatment of black Americans. The quarterback remains without a team as the new season approaches. Supporters claim he remains unemployed because he was prepared to speak out about inequality in wider American society. We are joined by Dr. Harry Edwards, who organised the "Olympic Project for Human Rights" in the 1960's. It prompted Tommie Smith and John Carlos to produce one of the most iconic moments in sport history - the 'Black Power' salute as the American national anthem played out in Mexico in 1968 after they won Olympic gold and silver. For the past 7 years Dr. Edwards has worked at the San Francisco 49ers, the only team Colin Kaepenick has played for. We also hear from Marlene and Beverley Owens, daughter of legendary athlete Jessie Owens. Craig Hodges, who after winning the NBA Championship in 1992 with the Chicago Bulls, never played in the NBA again. Details of a letter he sent to then-president George W Bush expressing his anger at the treatment of the poor and minorities in the country was leaked to the media. We also hear from Marc Spears, Chairman of the National Association of Black Journalists Sports Task Force. Photo: Colin Kaepernick. Credit: Getty Images