Kaepernick joins Medium, will create content on race and civil rights

[June 19, 2020]  (Reuters) - Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has joined the board of directors of Medium and will work on content focused on race and civil rights, the U.S.-based online publishing platform announced on Thursday.

Kaepernick, who sparked a national debate when he protested against racial injustice by kneeling https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nfl-kaepernick-sit/nfls-kaepernick-kneels-during-national-anthem-continuing-protest-idUSKCN11806U as the U.S. national anthem played during a game, will be publishing across Medium's platform and sharing thoughts on anti-Black racism in society, the company said.

Medium allows users, including companies and media outlets, to post blogs that readers can annotate.

"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," Ev Williams, chief executive of Medium, said in a statement.

"I couldn't be more happy to welcome Colin to Medium. He's an incisive, independent thinker, whose integrity has inspired so many. The world needs more of that."

Kaepernick's protests, aimed at drawing attention to police brutality against minorities, began in 2016 when he popularized the gesture of kneeling during pre-game renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" while a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

He became a free agent after that season, during which he went 1-10 as a starter, and has since been unable to find a team to play for. Many experts attribute his political activism as the key reason teams are wary of signing him.

Colin Kaepernick is seen at a special training event created by Kaepernick to provide greater access to scouts, the media, and the public, at Charles. R. Drew High School in Riverdale, Georgia, U.S., November 16, 2019. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage/File Photo

The action of kneeling during the U.S. national anthem had all but disappeared from the world of sports, but returned recently following the death last month of George Floyd at the hands of a white policeman, which sparked protests across the United States over police brutality.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said this week he would encourage teams to sign Kaepernick, adding the league would also welcome his off-the-field guidance on social justice.

Kaepernick launched a publishing company in February which is also part of the partnership and will help create and feature stories on race and civil rights in America, and elevate emerging voices from communities of color.

"I am excited for Kaepernick Publishing to partner with Medium to continue to elevate black voices in the news and publishing industry," said Kaepernick.

"I also look forward to creating new opportunities and avenues for black writers and creators with my new role as a board member."

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Bernadette Baum)

[© 2020 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2020 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.