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Colin Kaepernick and Dave Chappelle to Be Recognized by Harvard

Colin Kaepernick and Dave Chappelle to Be Recognized by Harvard

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 03: NFL player Colin Kaepernick speaks onstage during VH1's 3rd Annual "Dear Mama: A Love Letter To Moms" - Inside Show at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on May 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

photo credit: Leon Bennett l Getty Images

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and comedian Dave Chappelle, alongside 6 other people, will be recognized by Harvard University today, October 11. They will be acknowledged for their contributions to black history and culture.

The former 49ers quarterback is being recognized for protesting racial injustice. Kaepernick will donate $1 million to organizations working with troubled communities. Nike, who recently publicized that they continue to endorse Kaepernick, has promised to donate to Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights” nonprofit organization. As many know, the recent Nike ad featured Kaepernick with the powerful message, “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

Comedian David Chappelle will also be recognized during the ceremony. Chappelle has received many awards before for his contributions to the black community and his comedic performances.  These accolades include NAACP Image Awards, BET Comedy Award, 2018 Grammy Award for best comedy album, and much more.

The other honorees are Kenneth Chenault, Shirley Ann Jackson, Pamela Joyner, Florence Ladd, Bryan Stevenson, and Kehinde Wiley. All the medalists made significant impact to African and African American culture and are advocates for human rights.

These 8 recipients will be awarded the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal at the sixth annual Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard. The ceremony will be held October 11 at 4 pm.