From public denouncements from former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka to remarks from President Obama, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has garnered controversy for his refusal to stand during the presentation of the national anthem, declaring the infamous words to NFL.com, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.

Kaepernick has set the NFL on fire. And I’m convinced his protest is a good thing. As a American, I know it’s a powerful thing. As a black woman, I believe in its strength. This is bigger than football. This is necessary conversation, needed for the progression of our country, not only for marginalized peoples, but for each and every American. This is our obligation as Americans- to speak up and remind the government of its responsibility to ensure the Constitution’s promise of equality for all.

But, you see, people are afraid of Kaepernick because people fear the reality of an ugly truth. People fear that there is merit to his message: we live in a country that doesn’t treat everyone equally. From unarmed shootings of black men found in Charlotte, to homophobia found in the Pulse nightclub, to racial profiling found in the airport security, we are not all treated equally. In 2016. This scares people. It should. But this fear should be grown in conversation, not slander. Instead, this fear is mongered through disgusting responses. Kaepernick has been called unpatriotic. He has been called anti-military. He has been intimidated with death threats. In my eyes, it’s clear that some people didn’t even make the effort to understand the foundation of Kaepernick’s message, instead rushing to rash judgement about his patriotism and morality rather than thinking about the difficult question at hand: What if Kaepernick is right? What if certain groups of people are under-served in this country, and most importantly, how can we change that? What if America was never great?

Kaepernick has said he will continue to kneel during the anthem until he sees change, using his multi-million dollar salary to donate to community organizations, and speaking out to the media to continue to spread his message. He doesn’t expect people to agree with him. Neither do I. I understand the respect the national anthem garners and the role it plays in American patriotism. But his protest wouldn’t have worked any other way.

He doesn’t expect a parade or grand brouhaha for his protest. He’s not a savior. He’s not a superhero. He’s not a Messiah. He’s an athlete using his position as an influential figure to propose important conversation for the progression of our country. He’s voicing his opinion, practicing his patriotism through the First Amendment right, albeit in a manner that doesn’t agree with all. With grass stained knee, Kaepernick is making a stand and to that I say, kneel, Kaepernick. Make America great for all.

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