Generally speaking, I support Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit/kneel during the national anthem. My only question is "what's next, Kap?"
The NFL quarterback has drawn lots of attention (good and bad) for his pre-game actions. That's all fine and good. Now it's time to parlay that attention into programs to help people. A protest does no good if it is not converted into something that is designed to help the people it was intended to assist.
I understand that Kap has donated $1 million dollars to a variety of unnamed charities. That's great, but I hope the money went to educational and economic development in the inner cities. Ex-NBA player Jalen Rose is the founder of the Jalen Rose Leadership (JRLA) Academy that provides a high quality education to low-income Detroit kids. That is a positive program that produces tangible results for youngsters who wouldn't normally get those kind of opportunities.
Again, the next step is to leverage the national attention into something useful JRLA is the kind of program I'd like to see Kap and his growing legion of NFL supporters get involved in. Pro athletes have a lot of influence over our youth. When ballers speak, kids listen, but bear in mind that kids need something to do. Something to look forward to. Quality education and jobs would give them a reason to keep believing in the American dream and convert the haters to Kap's side.
