Beyonce Presents Colin Kaepernick With Muhammad Ali Legacy Award

At Sports Illustrated’s annual Sportsperson of the Year ceremony this week, Beyonce made a surprise appearance and presented NFL star and political activist Colin Kaepernick with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.

“Thank you for your selfless heart, and your conviction. Thank you for your personal sacrifice,” Beyonce shared. “Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion—only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception. To change the way we treat each other—especially people of color. We’re still waiting for the world to catch up.”

“It’s been said that racism is so American that when we protest racism, some assume we’re protesting America,” she continued. “So let’s be very clear: Colin has always been very respectful of the individuals who selflessly serve and protect our country and our communities and our families. His message is solely focused on social injustice for historically disenfranchised people.”

After receiving the award, Colin said:

“I say this fully aware of the importance of the virtues of modesty, humility and forbearance as to their chosen spiritual path. I say this as a person who receives credit for using my platform to protest systemic oppression, racial injustice and the dire consequences of anti-blackness in America, as if these issues were born when I first began silently protesting police killing unarmed black and brown people. I stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Beyonce Colin Kaepernick