COLIN KAEPERNICK COMPARES POLICE TODAY TO SLAVE PATROLS

By: Mira Kelley

​Blogger - Aspiring Photographer/Writer/Creative Director - Social and Legal Enthusiast

Colin Kaepernick, the blackballed NFL star quarter-back, has never been afraid to express his dissatisfaction with race relations and policing in the United States. Recently, after the acquittal of the officer who murdered Philando Castille in Minnesota Kaepernick posted this to twitter:

The origins of American policing do in fact begin with the formation of slave patrols. These patrols and watches had two objectives: 1) control minorities and 2) protect property and the institution of slavery itself. So it comes as no surprise to me that many are reminded of this when it comes to todays minority and police relations.

Looking beyond emotions you have to agree that Kaepernick is right about the need to dismantle and change the criminal justice system. It has never been one for the people as statistics continue to prove how badly minorities are killed, targeted and treated (almost the same way they were during slavery). It's not something that should continue to be overlooked and I'm glad that Kaepernick is not allowing it to go unnoticed.