This weekend, headlines were ablaze after President Donald Trump referred to NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem as “sons of bitches” who need to be fired—specifically referring to the likes of Colin Kaepernick whose choice to do so in protest of the injustice that African-Americans face in the United States has sparked one of the bigger debates on race relations in the States in recent times. Since Trump’s remarks, many have stepped up to denounce his comments and speak out in support of Kaepernick and other players in the league who have taken their stance by taking a knee.
Most recently, TMZ gauged rapper and activist Common’s thoughts on the subject. Naturally, his discourse didn’t veer much from the ideals he’s displayed time and time again as a rapper who dwells heavily into the mindset of being socially conscious.
“We live in America and I think individuals should be able to express themselves. I think what Colin Kaepernick did is raising awareness for people,” Common told the publication Friday night while at LAX. “It wasn’t even about him making a name [for himself]. He’s done something that’s causing conversation. He might have saved people’s lives just by the conversations we’re having and the things that’s going on when it comes to the racism and the neglect of black and brown people. I think the fact that he stood up and expressed himself is what the American way has been. That’s how things change. That’s ho things improve, and he did non-violently.”
The reporter went on to ask him about the players of the Junior Comanches youth football team in Cahokia, Illinois who followed Kap’s lead during their own game earlier in the month, and took a knee during the national anthem.
“I’m inspired that they do it. I’m inspired that they’ve got the courage to go out and do that. That’s what we want our youth to do. You pursue your dreams but you stand up for other people, too,” Common added. “So, Colin Kaepernick is going down in history as one of the greats to help shift things. I’m a supporter of him. He inspired me just like those 8-year olds did.”