ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
On September 22, 2017, onstage at a bizarre campaign rally in Huntsville, Alabama, Donald Trump delivered what could only be described as a wholly unhinged tantrum - during which he called Colin Kaepernick - and anyone who chooses to exercise their constitutional rights to peaceful protest - a "son of a bitch" and suggested they be fired.
The next day he doubled down with a pathetic tweet about disrespect, ending like a sad clown, with his trademark "you're fired" - and disinviting Stephen Curry from the White House.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's response was vague and insufficient.
As a reminder - Donald Trump referred to Nazis and KKK members after a young woman's public murder as "fine people", yet calls athletes advocating for human rights "sons of bitches".
Let that sink in.
THE TIME FOR STAYING ON SIDELINES IS OVER. NOW MORE THAN EVER, WE MUST SPEAK OUT AGAINST BIGOTRY, INEQUALITY AND VIOLENCE. HERE ARE 3 WAYS FOR YOU TO JOIN US IN SUPPORTING COLIN AND THIS BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT FOR RACIAL EQUALITY- AND SPEAK OUT AGAINST INJUSTICE:
1. #TAKEAKNEE - Send a message to Donald Trump, the NFL and their advertisers by posting a video of yourself taking a knee and telling us why - and sharing with your networks. Use the trending hashtag #TakeAKnee
2. BOYCOTT THE NFL! Don't watch, don't go online and read sports scores, don't follow in any way. But during games, DO engage your networks by tweeting @NFL and their advertisers like @Verizon and letting them know why you're boycotting! Some boycott hashtags: #NoKaepernickNoNFL #NFLBoycott
3. SIGN & SHARE THIS PETITION: Click this link to sign on to our petition to the NFL letting them know you support Colin's right to peaceful protest.
If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. History has its eyes on all of us.
September 25, 2017
#TAKEAKNEE GOES VIRAL!
Donald Trump leveled a moronic series of un-American attacks on NFL players who have exercised their Constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression. And boy did that backfire! Millions around the world have shared the #TakeAKnee hashtag, and #TakeAKnee headlines have been circulating in our feeds - and we count this as a win for our Movement, organizers and allies. As of now, every single NFL team that's played a game today has protested. Some even included owners, coaches and staff. Some teams kneeled, others locked arms, several teams even stayed in the locker room for the National Anthem entirely. And nearly every NFL team owner and NFL union published a critical response to Trump's statements and sentiments.
Justice League NYC has been extremely proud to work with Colin Kaepernick for nearly two years, supporting his important and historic stand against police brutality and racial injustice. We've been honored that our Executive Director Carmen Perez has been a personal advisor -- and a Know Your Rights Camp trainer.
We believe in his clear vision for justice, and the authenticity of his commitment to racial healing.
So we were on a mission.
WATCH & SHARE
While Trump and his surrogates were out in force - trying to suggest that this was a protest abouthim - let us remind the current resident of the White House why this protest really began. We hope you'll watch and share this video, using the hashtags #TakeAKnee and #NoKaepernickNoNFL.
Bob Bland, Co-Chair of The Women's March, with her baby Chloe, as they #TakeAKnee in front of The Trump International Hotel in Washington DC.
#TAKEAKNEE
We encouraged our communities, allies and networks to #TakeAKnee in solidarity, and share photos of your personal protest. Within hours #TakeAKnee was the #1 Trending Topic on Twitter.
from l to right: Justice League NYC's Mysonne, Linda Sarsour, Tamika Mallory, Carmen Perez & Denisha Gingles #TakeAKnee in front of the White House.
#IMWITHKAP
While Donald Trump was busy tweeting, our team came together "like Voltron," formulating a rapid response strategy for the next phase of the campaign to #StandWithKap. And so we worked around the clock to get #ImWithKap tee shirts printed and delivered to our new friend -Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (pictured, right - to distribute to his team for pre-game warm-ups this morning.
But we're not done. As we speak, shirts are being shipped and delivered to athletes and artists across the country so they can express their solidarity.
(right): Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins running back, warming up for today's big game against the NY Jets at MetLife Stadium. Read more about the Dolphins protest here.
JOIN US: #NFLBOYCOTT
While it's heartening to see such solidarity around the country today - this is just one day. And we cannot sleep on injustice. So please - sign and share this petition telling the NFL you #StandWithKap and the #NFLBoycott.
READ THIS
Our brother Mysonne penned an Open Letter to Revolt, expressing his thoughts on Colin Kaepernick and the #NFLBoycott.
You can read and share here.