Last month, Colin Kaepernick made headlines after accusing his white adoptive parents of stirring a “problematic” upbringing that was rooted around perpetuating racism, saying that while they certainly loved him, there were moments when being Black in a white household was somewhat problematic. One of many issues he faced was a fight he had with them over the choice of his hairstyle by changing it to cornrows — a decision which his mother was not happy with.
The remarks were highlighted in Kaepernick’s graphic novel, “Change the Game,” and in a recent interview with author Eve L. Ewing, the former athlete went into further detail on how the dynamics between two different backgrounds made it hard to have certain conversations with his parents. “It is very difficult for people to have a nuanced conversation around it — [and] be, like, yeah, the people that love you and that you love can also perpetuate very problematic elements, and those things can exist at the same time.”
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He added, “And part of it is, like, how do you grapple with that? How do you navigate that? And especially at a young age? And it’s, like, are you equipped to navigate that and are your parents equipped to navigate that?” Kaepernick said it was very important for him to share his upbringing with his fans and those curious of reading his graphic novel to know that situations such as these are common and that those experiences need to be addressed and recognized.
Kaepernick’s adoptive parents raised him in Turlock, California, where he grew up alongside his two adoptive siblings.
Kaepernick has spoken publicly about his experience as an adopted child, describing how he always knew he was adopted and how important his adoptive family was to him. He has also talked about the challenges he faced growing up as a Black child in a predominantly white community.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Kaepernick’s appearance is his hair. In recent years, Kaepernick has been known for his “afro” and cornrows, which he has worn both on and off the field. This hairstyle has become a symbol of his activism and his commitment to racial equality.
Kaepernick has spoken publicly about the symbolism behind his hair, describing it as a way to connect with his African heritage and to challenge traditional beauty standards. He has also talked about the negative reactions he has received to his hair, both from fans and from within the NFL.
He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and dynamic player, leading his team to the Super Bowl in 2013. However, it was Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem before a game in 2016 that made him a household name. This act of protest sparked a nationwide conversation about police brutality against Black Americans and launched a movement that is still going strong today.
Since then, Kaepernick has become a leading voice in the fight for social justice. He has donated millions of dollars to organizations that support racial equality and has used his platform to raise awareness about issues like police brutality and systemic racism. Kaepernick’s activism has also had a profound impact on the sports world, inspiring other athletes to speak out and use their platforms for social change.