Colin Kaepernick Joins Co-Producers John Legend, Jesse Williams On Tommie Smith Film & Black Power SalutePosted by Wilson Morales
November 1, 2017
Source: THR
Former NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick will join co-producers John Legend, his Get Lifted Film Co partners Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, Grey’s Anatomy’s Jesse Williams and Tommie Smith’s wife Delores as executive producers to “With Drawn Arms,” a documentary about Olympic gold medalist and NFL wide receiver Tommie Smith.
Smith was the 200-meter Olympic gold medalist, along with Bronze medalist and fellow Olympic Project for Human Rights member John Carlos, raised their black leather gloved fists on the podium in protests of racial injustice and for human rights during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner at the XIX Olympics in Mexico City in 1968.
“We are excited to collaborate with true artists in Glenn Kaino and Afshin Shahidi to bring this powerful story to the world in a fresh and compelling way,” said Oscar and Grammy winner Legend of the co-directed docu. “In this current climate we are once again being charged to stand up to bigotry, fear, and hate. We are inspired by this story and honored to be a creative partner on this film.”
Prompted by Smith and protesting social injustice, the duo were suspended from the American team and had to leave the Games under threat for their gesture that was widely viewed as being a sign of Black Power. After his powerful symbolism at the ’68 Olympics and with several track and field records under his belt, Smith went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals for a couple of seasons.
The former San Fransisco 49er Kaepernick was the first player to kneel during the national anthem as a way of protesting social injustice. He has yet to be signed by any NFL team. not currently be active in the NFL. He recently signed a million-dollar book deal with Random House
Glenn Kaino is co-directing the film project with Afshin Shahidi (father of Black-ish star Yara Shahidi). The project will consist of drawings, sculpture and a film meant to introduce Smith and his activism to a new generation that is facing similar racial unrest.
The film is aiming to be released towards October 16 next year, the 50th anniversary of the raised salute by the now 73-year old Smith.
