In September 2016, inspired by Colin Kaepernick and Brandon Marshall, a few members of the Woodrow Wilson High School football team in New Jersey knelt during the national anthem to raise awareness about social and economic injustice.
Coach Preston Brown initially planned to kneel alone, citing the national anthem’s third verse, which he felt excluded people like him. Brown, an African-American, explained that his decision was influenced by his experiences and the social disparities in his community.
After discussing his reasons, some players joined him in protest. The Camden City School District supported the students’ decision, emphasizing the importance of engaging with social justice issues, regardless of how they chose to express it.
