San Francisco 49ers Donate $1 Million Dollars

The San Francisco 49ers pledged $1 million to two Bay Area organizations that focus on racial and social issues.

     On the heels of Colin Kaepernick’s $1 million donation to groups that deal with racial and social inequities, the San Francisco 49ers announced that they would pledge $1 million to two Bay Area organizations.
     On top of the $1 million pledge, Kaepernick is also donating his portion of the proceeds from jersey sales to those causes. "I've been very blessed to be in this position and to be able to make the kind of money I do," Kaepernick said earlier about his decision to make the donations. "I have to help these people. I have to help these communities. It's not right that they're not put in a position to succeed or given those opportunities to succeed."
     This comes after Kaepernick decided to sit down/kneel during the national anthem during football games. It caused an uproar at first, but others have followed suit and joined in on his protest. While this raises a lot of awareness, it didn’t raise money. His donations and pledges are Kaepernick’s way to make a difference through his words and his pocketbook.
     The team’s support of its controversial quarterback demonstrates its commitment to the community. Kaepernick has hit a nerve with society and is spurring positive conversation. Rather than shy away from it, the 49ers are backing its players and making a donation to help bring about positive change. This is critical, because too often a team or league distances itself from a player. This sends a more supportive message and shows that if we all come together and play our role, we can create the change we wish to see in the world.
 
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