Consider This… NFL Protests

This event is free and open to the public; however, the GAA requests that you RSVP if you plan on attending.

In 2016, when the media noticed Colin Kaepernick sitting during the national anthem, they asked him why. His response was, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.” He later switched to kneeling as a sign of respect for the military.

Since then, other NFL athletes, and some from other sports, have joined in some type of protest, some in support of Kaepernick and some to state their support of the anthem and the country. Fans have criticized and supported the protests and team owners have sometimes shown solitary with the players or have avoided the issue. The protests have grown in scope and divisiveness as team owners, fans and politicians have expressed their thoughts and views about player’s protests.

We’ll examine different issues associated with this topic and provide different perspectives from those you have already heard.

Moderator

Lloyd Kramer, Professor of History and Director of Carolina Public Humanities

Panelists

Matt Andrews, Lecturer/Adviser. UNC History

Ted Shaw, Julius L. Chambers Distinguished Professor of Law and director of the Center for Civil Rights, UNC School of Law

Deborah Stroman,  Director, Sport Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement, Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and Adjunct Associate Professor, Kenan-Flagler Business School

RSVP for this event here. 

This event is organized by the UNC General Alumni Association

IMAGE CREDIT: Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images