This is going to be good!
Ava DuVernay is teaming up with Colin Kaepernick to tell his story in a new Netflix series, The Root reports.
Colin in Black & White, is a new dramatic limited series that will air on Netflix about Kaepernick’s early years, his struggle to define his identity, and meaningful experiences that led him to become the activist he is today. Kaepernick is a former NFL quarterback who sparked the national conversation about police brutality after taking a knee during the singing of the national anthem. His actions caused him to be subsequently blackballed, thrusting him into the spotlight and causing a massive boycott of the National Football League.
The new six-part series hopes to shine some light on Kaepernick’s early years, growing up as a Black child adopted by a white family and the journey that got him here. DuVernay and Kaepernick will serve as executive producers alongside Michael Starrbury who will write the series. The athlete turned activist will also narrate the series.
“With his act of protest, colin Kaepernick ignited a national conversation about race and justice with far-reaching consequences for football, culture and for him, personally. Colin’s story has much to say about identity, sports and the enduring spirit of protest and resilience. I couldn’t be happier than to tell this story with the team at Netflix,” DuVernay said.
The award winning filmmaker was part of those who boycotted the NFL in support of Kaepernick, calling them out for their “racist treatment of [Kaerpenick] and its ongoing disregard for the health and well-being of all its players.” At the time, DuVernay said that to even “watch the game [would] compromise [her] beliefs.”
I will not be a spectator, viewer or supporter of the #SuperBowl today in protest of the @NFL’s racist treatment of @Kaepernick7 and its ongoing disregard for the health + well-being of all its players. To watch the game is to compromise my beliefs. It’s not worth it. #ImWithKap pic.twitter.com/fNEeke0crs
advertisement— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 3, 2019
Kaepernick spoke about the new series, saying, “Too often we see race and Black stories portrayed through a white lens. We seek to give new perspective to the differing realities that Black people face. We explore the racial conflicts I face as an adopted Black man in a white community, during my high school years. It’s an honor to bring these stories to life in collaboration with Ava for the world to see.”
No word yet on when the series will be released but we can’t wait to see it!
Photo Courtesy of @avaduvernay/Twitter