Cambridge, September 22 (RHC)-- In the United States, Harvard University has announced it will honor former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick with the University’s W.E.B. Du Bois Medal which is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to African and African-American history and culture. 

In 2016, Kaepernick began protesting police brutality and racism by taking a knee during the national anthem before NFL games, sparking ongoing league-wide protests.  He has since been effectively blacklisted from the U.S. football league. 

Other recipients of this year’s W.E.B. Du Bois Medal include comedian Dave Chappelle and Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, who oversaw the creation of the country’s first memorial to victims of white supremacy.