My dear Colin Kaepernick

My dear Colin Kaepernick,

I’ve grown to love you so much since NFL pre season 2016.  I had heard of you before then but I really took no interest in you.  In fact, I found you to be a little annoying.  There was a time when you irritated me so bad with all your kaepernicking that I had to unfollow you on Twitter.  You and your fans were driving me nuts with that foolishness.

The main reason for my apathy towards you is nothing personal.   It’s just that you play for the San Francisco 49ers.  And although San Francisco is a lovely city, the 49ers are just not my team.  I enjoy calling them the 69ers for fun.  The most memorable moments about your Superbowl appearance was Beyoncé’s half time show and the power outage that happened in the third quarter.  If it makes you feel any better I don’t give a rip about the Baltimore Ravens either.

But Colin you have shown the world your heart.  It’s as big as the sky and it shines like jewels.  You, like so many other people in America and around the world have been touched and troubled by the injustice and violence that the legal justice system deals Black Americans.  You, like so many others are tired of the killings, the excuses and the lack of accountability when a Black man, woman or child is killed by an agent of our tax funded, democratically elected government.  But most of us are nameless, faceless and have no voice or power to challenge our government in any way that can bring about meaningful change.

Colin you could have lived your life in the ivory tower that wealth and fame provide.  You could easily ignore the plight of Americans with skin tones similar to yours and sequester yourself among other wealthy celebrities.  The problems of average African Americans are not really yours, Cam Newton’s, Odell Beckham’s or Dez Bryant’s problems.  But you took an interest in matters concerning Black Americans even though you have absolutely nothing to gain.  The people that you are standing up for can’t offer you anything.  Your selfless attitude is rare in this world.

When you were asked about your stance on police brutality and the national anthem you spoke your truth.  You didn’t back peddle or sugar coat your message.  You were direct in everything you said and you never backed down even when people began to threaten your life.  Your career is at a crossroads and a lot of sports fans are predicting your demise.  But you are standing up for what you believe even though it could impact your career in a negative way.  That takes a lot of courage Colin.

You said you weren’t going to stand for the national anthem again until you see change in this country.  You seem to be standing by your word.  I don’t see a lot of that from people.  Most people say and do whatever is convenient and whatever will serve them best in that moment.  Your stance shows that you are a man of convictions.

Don’t ever listen to the criticism and vitriol of the naysayers.  You have a big heart, a good mind, truthful and you have the courage to stand by your convictions.  A football career, material possessions, fame and fortune can be lost or taken in an instant.  But your true treasure can never be stolen from you.  You are truly a wealthy man.  You are in my prayers and you will always be in my heart.  Go 49ers!