Born to White parents, Colin Kaepernick reflected on his childhood and recalled very troubling stuff.
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick stated that his adoptive parents “perpetuated bigotry” in an interview broadcast on Thursday.
Kaepernick’s latest graphic novel, “Change the Game,” is about how he learned to accept his White heritage. The former football star described his childhood as “difficult,” recalling instances of conflict with his parents that he now believes were motivated by prejudice.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that my parents adored me. Nonetheless, I still encountered some major challenges “admitted the biracial quarterback in an interview with CBS News.
Furthermore, “I believe it was vital to illustrate that, no, this can happen in your own house, and how we move forward collaboratively while confronting the bigotry that is being perpetuated,” he added.
Kaepernick depicted a conflict he had with his parents when he was a high school student about his hairdo as an illustration of this.
Kaepernick remembered facing opposition from his parents when he decided to wear cornrows in his hair like his favorite, NBA great Allen Iverson.
The protagonist’s mother asks, “He’s getting what rolls?” in the graphic novel.
Kaepernick said his mother had advised him his new hairstyle made him appear “like a little gangster” when he sported it.
The ex-footballer-turned-social-justice-activist credits such experiences with influencing his choice to openly celebrate his heritage as an adult.
“At those moments, you may find yourself wondering, “Well, how do I manage this scenario now?” My decision to wear my hair long today was also influenced by this, “This is what Kaepernick told CBS, he said.
During NFL games, the former San Francisco 49ers player gained widespread notice for kneeling in protest of police brutality and racism during the playing of the national anthem.
Since then, he’s collaborated with Ben & Jerry’s on their non-dairy “Change the Whirled” flavor and with Netflix on a docudrama series based on his life. During the years, he has also signed sponsorship deals with major businesses like Nike.