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ACLU Honored Colin Kaepernick

darudemagDec 04, 2017EntertainmentComments Off on ACLU Honored Colin Kaepernick

After a raucous standing ovation upon receiving the organization Eason Monroe Courageous Advocate Award, Kaepernick seemed to be in his element. “We all have the 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, ” he said, sounding every bit like he might be thinking about running for office someday.

With organizers saying his appearance had to be kept under wraps due to death threats and other security concerns, Kaepernick’s arrival onstage had the ambiance of a rock star being welcomed. With nary a Trump supporter to be found, he was greeted as the local hero for his controversial stand of taking a knee during the national anthem before NFL games, which pissed off a President and started a movement and led to many other players following suit.

ACLU SoCal Executive Director Hector Villagra, who earlier in the evening had noted the ACLU has launched 56 lawsuits to date against Trump Administration activities, introduced Colin Kaepernick by saying, “He took a stand knowing 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.” After the presentation at the dinner break, Kaepernick was literally mobbed by well-heeled fans trying to take selfies with him. Among those lining up for the chance was departing Open Road chief Tom Ortenberg, a longtime ALCU supporter and awardee.

In addition to Kaepernick, there were presentations before the dinner break of the Bill Of Rights Award to a emotional Rodriguez; a hilarious Apatow; and a riveting and compelling Davis, who cited Martin Luther King Jr’s inspiring “mountaintop” speech, given the day before he was assassinated in 1968 was a particular inspiration for her. She recounted stories of growing up so poor that her family was living with rats running through their apartment. She said that whenever she complains about feeling tired after an 18-hour shooting day, or taking for granted winning yet another award, she realizes there is a much different definition for success. “I have two mottos for 2017, and they are ‘I am doing the best that I can, and ‘I am going to leave it all on the floor’.” (Pete Hammond, Writer / Loren Fouroux, Editor)