Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick recently opened up about the struggles he faced as a Black child growing up in a white household.
In 1987, the NFL free agent was placed up for adoption when Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, a white couple from Wisconsin, took him in as their own. The family went on to move to California five years later, and Colin would grow up as a seemly average child; he had good friends, was a successful student in school, and was a talented football player.
However, he revealed in his graphic novel memoir the unseen challenges of having white parents. “I know my parents loved me, but there were still very problematic things that I went through,” he admitted in a recent interview with CBS’ Adriana Diaz. “I think it was important to show that, no, this can happen in your home and how you move forward collectively while addressing the racism that is being perpetuated.”
More specifically, the social activist recalled a moment in his childhood when he was wearing his hair in cornrows, and his mother told him the look was “not professional” and that he looked like “a little thug.”
“Those become spaces where it’s like, ‘How do I navigate this situation now?’ But it also has informed why I have my hair long today,” Kaepernick said, reflecting on the incident.
While the 35-year-old has faced criticism for this statement, Kaepernick ultimately was telling a story from his childhood. His novel, entitled “Change the Game,” is even described as a “memoir detailing his high school years before he entered the spotlight of professional sports.”
Colin Kaepernick discusses hopes for his graphic novel
In fact, the author relayed he hopes the novel will inspire fellow Black readers to “seize their power” and take pride in their culture. “Take pride in your Blackness, take pride in your culture,” he said of the book.
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Kaepernick’s road to activism began in 2016 when he began kneeling during the National Anthem at NFL games. IN attempts to protest police brutality and racial profiling, the quarterback was largely criticized for these actions. He was let go from his team and even went on to accuse to league of blackballing him for his activism.
Regardless of what the press said of his actions, Rick and Teresa Kaepernick stood by their son’s side through the heat. “We want people to know that we are very proud of our son and admire his strength and courage in kneeling for the rights of others,” they said in a statement at the time.
