Photo Credit: Colin Kaepernick/Instagram
Colin Kaepernick might not be back in the NFL but Disney just signed a deal with him to tell his story in a new docuseries. Disney described it as including “extensive new interviews and a vast never-before-seen archive that documents his last five years.” They went on to add, “Kaepernick will tell his story from his perspective.” ESPN’s now departed Jemele Hill is also set to work on it as well. Disney says “the partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers.”
The significance here is two major names that received significant career and public pushback over speaking out about civil rights issues are getting the appropriate platforms to discuss them. This is especially important considering how somehow all of these years later people are still asking what are people protesting and kneeling for or what exactly did Kaepernick want. Well now they have the chance to hear it straight from him in great deal. Of course, I have a feeling that those are the people who really don’t want to know the answer to that question. They just want something to complain about.
Kaepernick issued a statement saying, “I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives.”
“I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”
Kaepernick’s work is going to be aired on Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and The Undefeated, according to Disney. The moral of this story is that the truth always comes out in the end. Four years later and the NFL Commissioner has expressed support for kneeling and more importantly it took the footage of George Floyd’s death for people to see some of what has been complained about for decades. Policy is also being discussed regarding police reform. And might I add that he’s been added in the African American Museum in the Nation’s Capitol?
All the time spent fighting him could have been put into legislation and discussing policing standards say 7 years ago when Black Lives Matter formed or before then. Instead, Kaepernick has become a bigger name the longer he was attacked. A lot of this could have been avoided but at least things are being discussed now as they should have been before.
