As he approaches the 10-year anniversary of his iconic protest and refusal to stand for the national anthem, Colin Kaepernick is making a $1 million commitment to some vital community organizations. The former NFL quarterback announced on Friday that his organization, Know Your Rights Camp, is renewing the Million Dollar Pledge he made a decade ago when he took a stance against police brutality.
“When I made the Million Dollar Pledge in 2016, I wanted to put resources directly into the hands of the organizations and people doing the work in our communities every day,” Kaepernick said in a statement. “The last ten years have shown us that community is the real power, and that when people have the resources to act on their vision, they can transform our communities. Today marks 10 years since I began to protest, and Know Your Rights Camp is renewing the Million Dollar Pledge with another $1 million investment in the organizations and leaders building healthier, safer, and stronger communities.”
Which organizations are getting grants from Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp?
Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp, which supports projects involving legal rights, education, mental health and other youth programs, has revealed the four organizations which will receive the first $100,000 in grants as part of the Million Dollar Pledge. New York City organizations 100 Suits and Lower Eastside Girls Club will each get a $25,000 grant, KYRC announced.
100 Suits, the non-profit organization founded by Kevin Livingston in 2011, prepares young people for careers, providing them with professional attire and other resources they need for work. The Lower Eastside Girls Club provides wellness resources for all ages and genders in the community.
KYRC is also awarding a $25,000 grant to New Orleans-based organization Eternal Seeds and Oakland’s The Hidden Genius Project. The Hidden Genius Project works with Black male youth to help them develop skills and knowledge in technology and entrepreneurship. Eternal Seeds is focused on uplifting emerging artists, providing workshops and resources to help the rising stars show off their artistic skills.
What is the Know Your Rights Camp?
Kaepernick and his wife Nessa founded KYRC in 2016 to uplift Black and Brown communities. After he refused to stand for the national anthem during NFL games, as part of his effort to make statement against police brutality, Kaepernick launched an organization to empower marginalized communities.
“Our mission is to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders,” KYRC states.