Activist Colin Kaepernick commemorated the “three year anniversary of the first time I protested systemic oppression” on August 14 via a video that served as a poignant reminder of why he began kneeling.

Today marks the three year anniversary of the first time I protested systemic oppression. I continue to work and stand with the people in our fight for liberation, despite those who are trying to erase the movement! The movement has always lived with the people! ✊?

 ?: @REL pic.twitter.com/TAqumRfjbi

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) August 14, 2019

He took to social media again on Sunday (August 18) to indirectly address the new partnership between Jay-Z and the National Football League (NFL), of which the rapper said: “I think we’ve moved past kneeling and I think it’s time to go into actionable items.”

While not naming Jay-Z or the deal directly, Kaepernick praised his brothers in the struggle—the Carolina Panthers’ Eric Reid and the Miami Dolphins’ Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson II—for their sustained activism both on and off the field. “They have never moved past the people and continue to put their beliefs into action,” Kaepernick tweeted and posted on Instagram.

My Brothers @E_Reid35 @KSTiLLS @iThinkIsee12 continue to fight for the people, even in the face of death threats. They have never moved past the people and continue to put their beliefs into action. Stay strong Brothers!!! ✊? pic.twitter.com/OQClsZXD5V

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) August 18, 2019

What Kaepernick wouldn’t say, his partner Nessa Diab did. “It’s typical for the NFL to buy different PR looks to cover up their dirt—that’s nothing new,” Diab wrote in a scalding Instagram statement on August 6. “But what is disgusting and disappointing is Jay-Z let them use him.” 

 

 

 

 

 

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We will never turn our backs on @kaepernick7 because your idols decided to work with the same organization that is actively keeping Colin unemployed all because he peacefully protested against social injustice in black and brown communities, specifically police brutality. So really, how can Jay-Z and the NFL utter social justice in their partnership while keeping Colin unemployed because of his social justice work? • • It’s typical for the NFL to buy different PR looks to cover up their dirt-that’s nothing new. But what is disgusting and disappointing is Jay-Z let them use him. Whether Jay-Z knew it or not (I don’t doubt his intelligence-so I would think he knew) he helped the NFL bury who he said is an iconic figure, Colin Kaepernick. • • Don’t tell me there’s a “master plan and wait for it” because the ONLY reason anything would ever change is because THE PEOPLE are loud and clear and won’t let the league buy their loyalty with their disingenuous moves. The people are letting the league and anyone who works with them know that they aren’t buying the bs. • • Thank you all so much for showing Colin so much support and love. I know for myself, I can’t thank y’all enough for loving my family. • #imwithkap #nokapnonfl ❤️❤️❤️ • • #RP: @kaepernick7: ‪You never turned your back on me or the people, even when the nfl tried to silence your voice & the movement. You’ve never flinched or wavered. I love you Brother! Let’s get it! @E_Reid35‬ ‪ And to the people — I see you, I hear you and I love you! Thank you for having my back!!!✊?‬ • • ?: @relrelrelrel @djtonedef

A post shared by NESSA (@nessnitty) on Aug 15, 2019 at 10:25am PDT