Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the National Anthem throughout the NFL preseason has stirred a lot of controversy as people on both sides of the issue have debated the issue.
Some fans have burned the San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s jersey in protest, many more have purchased it in support.
According to ESPN’s Darren Rovell, “more Kaepernick gear was sold last week on the team site than the past eight months combined.”
Two of the more prominent supporters of Kaepernick have been hip hop artist J. Cole, who wore his jersey during a performance over the labor day weekend:
J. Cole performing in a Kaepernick jersey last night. pic.twitter.com/V3zVepGhJe
— Only Hip Hop Facts (@OnlyHipHopFacts) September 5, 2016
Trey Songz also showed his support during an event in Las Vegas, Nevada:
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane and USA Woman’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe have also refused to stand during the national anthem. President Obama also shared his thoughts on Kaepernick’s protest, via USA Today:
When it comes to the flag and the national anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who fought for us—that is a tough thing for them to get past. But I don’t doubt his sincerity. I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. If nothing else, he’s generated more conversation about issues that have to be talked about.
While Cole and Songz are the first, they surely won’t be the last to show their support for Kaepernick as you can expect many more prominent figures in the entertainment world to come out show their support for the message Kaepernick is trying to send.