Americans who are angry with Colin Kaepernick often forget how black entertainers and athletes have used their fame to break down barriers of discrimination. Singer Ray Charles helped to desegregate concert halls; Jackie Robinson integrated an entire league. Entertainers and athletes also helped to combat fear of black culture and encouraged the acceptance of black talent. They did something even more crucial that continues to this day: they convinced white America that the folk these athletes loved and admired were just as worthy of support and respect.
-- Michael Eric Dyson, What Truth Sounds Like, p. 249-250
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