Former NFL quarterback and social activist Colin Kaepernick has been tapped to join Medium’s Board of Directors. His publishing company, Kaepernick Publishing, will partner with the digital media operation to uplift stories of race and civil rights and amplify voices from often marginalized communities.  In a statement released by Medium on Thursday, CEO Ev Williams noted that Kaepernick’s commitment to supporting people of color is something the digital publishing company feels is “desperately needed” in its industry. As protests against police brutality engulf cities around the country, Williams said Kaepernick’s insight will be a valued resource to Medium’s storytelling efforts. 

“I met Colin a couple years ago and have been wanting to work with him ever since. When he launched Kaepernick Publishing in February, we started a conversation and quickly realized how closely our ideals and sensibilities align. I know he will bring valuable insights and leadership to Medium, especially in this moment when the world is finally catching up to his vision on racial justice,” he wrote. 

Williams wrote that Kaepernick will play a role in numerous initiatives across Medium, including collaboration with Level, the company’s Black male-focused editorial platform. The former San Francisco 49ers star will also help identify unique perspectives and collaborate with a diverse set of writers. 

“Through this partnership, Colin will be publishing across Medium’s platform, including a collaboration with Medium’s editorial team leading Level and Momentum. He will be sharing his thoughts on anti-Black racism in our society, and Medium and Kaepernick Publishing will co-publish thought-provoking feature stories from diverse writers of color," Williams wrote. 

Williams ended the statement saying “the world needs more” independent thinkers with integrity like the former football star. 

According to CBS News, Kaepernick will be the board's only member to belong to a racial minority group. 

President Donald Trump has also been drinking the Kaepernick Kool-Aid lately. On Wednesday, Trump said he "would love to see [Kaepernick] get another shot" if he has the skills to be effective in the NFL.

"If he deserves it, he should. If he has the playing ability." Trump said. "He started off great and then he didn't end up very great in terms of as a player. He was terrific in his rookie year. I think he was very good in his second year, and then something happened."

In the past, Trump has been critical of the former quarterback’s decision to kneel in protest, calling for football officials to “get that son of a b***h off the field right now.” Kaepernick was effectively blackballed by the league for his demonstration against police brutality back in 2016. In March 2019, he, along with former teammate and current free agent Eric Reid, accepted a settlement in a collusion suit against the NFL. 

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