Cambridge Students Release NFL Protest PSA

CAMBRIDGE, MA - Over a year after the first NFL national anthem protest by then-San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the reason he first started protesting has been obscured by the controversy. This week, several Cambridge students released a PSA to help clarify the issue.

Kaepernick who took a knee as an act of protest against racism and police brutality in America, drew criticism from President Trump who said owners should "fire" players for such protests.

Since then, the issue has grown into a national debate over those who see the matter as one of free speech and others who see it as a lack of respect for the flag and the national anthem.

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Inside nationally recognized history teacher Kevin Dua’s class at Cambridge Rindge and Latin, several members of his class recently created public service announcement” to promote educational dialogue on the NFL protests, police brutality, racism, and empathy.

Dua said his students wanted to clear up misconceptions about the players protests, including the misconception that the protests are aimed at the military and veterans.

“This PSA project was designed to spark an educational lesson centered on how people, of any background, can learn how to better discuss and support one another,” he said.

Dua said the idea was hatched by the members of the Black Student Union at CRLS, who wanted to create a conversation starter that expressed their sentiments on how empathy, and sympathy, are values that Americans can stand up behind to better support each other.

“The many headlines connecting police brutality, NFL, race, and politics can be overwhelming, and at times, dilute the simple message of caring for one another,” he said. “These issues (i.e. racial injustice) do have an impact on young people of color lives; and, in many ways, should be a focus for this nation to tackle. This idea that race relations are a one-sided issue undermines any attempt to talk, reflect, empathize, and be proactive to improve. This isn't a way to condemn any race or political party; it's a way to redirect the focus on how racism and injustice are still powerfully real.”

Members of the Black Student Union listen to teacher Kevin Dua at Cambridge Rindge and Latin. Courtesy Photo by Kevin Dua.

Dua said members of the Black Student Union at Cambridge Rindge and Latin consciously started this organization this school year with the hopes of "bringing awareness to Black issues through education, participation, and activism."

“There is a sense that such projects as this can create a sense of empowerment, truth, and celebration of their identities,” he said.

Dua said it’s important that young people are encouraged and supported to talk, grow, and act.

“In addition, adults can play a huge role in connecting with young people through embracing critical thinking and varied perspectives,” he said.

Courtesy Photo by Kevin Dua