National Baptist Convention USA: Kneel with Colin Kaepernick this Sunday

by Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown

The National Baptist Convention USA Inc. (NBCUSA) convening in Kansas City, Missouri, kneels with Colin Kaepernick and joins with athletes, civil rights advocates and decent people who are calling for a “kneel-in” this Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in all churches. According to Dr. Amos C. Brown, chairman of the Civil Rights and Political Action Commission, President Jerry Young gives his support and calls on all the National Baptist churches to join this courageous 28-year-old prophet, who has challenged America to match its creed and pledges with actions of justice, equality and peace for all.

The convention supports Kaepernick for his refusal to stand for injustice in this nation. His call comes at a critical time, with the presidential election just two months away. Moreover, with Republican nominee Donald Trump flirting with the White House, it is important now more than ever to remind voters of the GOP’s continued suppression of African American voting rights.

What many don’t know is that while the Black Lives Matter movement protests police brutality, African American rights are being stripped in other important – and quieter – ways via Republican policies. Dozens of Republican-controlled states have passed hundreds of laws that have turned poor voters and voters of color away from the polls.

Moreover, there is no clear evidence that a Trump presidency will support a continuance of the Voting Rights Act. He certainly hasn’t said anything on another one of the most crucial topics affecting Black people: access to education. The notion that education should be a right for everyone in the U.S. is foreign to Trump and Republicans. Their policies on the issue have only those who can afford a proper education enjoying opportunities to thrive.

The convention supports Kaepernick for his refusal to stand for injustice in this nation. His call comes at a critical time, with the presidential election just two months away.

To add insult to injury, the GOP candidate did not request nor respond to the opportunity of addressing the National Urban League, NAACP or the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Finally, it was very enlightening and caused many to reflect when it was pointed out that the third stanza of the National Anthem has clear and dark lines which condone slavery and remind us all that slaves found no refuge from the Colonial War of 1812. As a faith community, we are totally committed to maintain our support for the clarion call that Mr. Kaepernick has sounded for common sense, justice, equality of opportunity and peace for all.

Bottom line, this message is clear and growing. Thanks to courageous stances taken by people like Colin Kaepernick, the discussion about installing policies in this country that provide equal education and career opportunities for all Americans is happening in the weeks before a pivotal national election.

Dr. Amos C. Brown chairs the Social Justice Commission of the National Baptist Convention, USA, pastors Third Baptist Church of San Francisco and heads the San Francisco NAACP. He can be reached at [email protected].