Less than a month after being honored by GQ as its "Citizen of the Year," Colin Kaepernick has earned another award for his work on social justice issues.
The ACLU honored Kaepernick on Sunday at the organization's annual Bill of Rights Dinner in Beverly Hills, giving him the Eason Monroe Courageous Advocate Award.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was honored Sunday at the ACLU of Southern California’s annual Bill of Rights Dinner in Beverly Hills. @AleneTchek @NFL pic.twitter.com/0KV1PPquYS
— Brian van der Brug (@bvdbrug) December 4, 2017
Although the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback began his national anthem protests in 2016, he's earned more recognition for them this season, even though he's not currently in the league. Those protests have become a political flashpoint between President Donald Trump, athletes and progressive groups, with conservatives heavily opposed to the protests.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Kaepernick's appearance at the ceremony, and the award, were a big surprise to the audience. He received a standing ovation.
Hector Villagra, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California, praised Kaepernick for taking a stand.
"He has lost his job, one that he loved and was supremely talented and skilled at," Villagra said, via the Times. "He took a stand knowing that some would criticize him, and he has been viciously and unfairly criticized. He has been called a traitor because too many people in this country confuse dissent for disloyalty."
"We all have an obligation no matter the risk, and regardless of reward, to stand up for our fellow men and women who are being oppressed with the understanding that human rights cannot be compromised," Kaepernick said in accepting the award.