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    Colin Kaepernick Receives W.E.B. Du Bois Medal from Harvard

    Alec Nathan@@AlecBNathanX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistOctober 11, 2018

    Former NFL football quarterback Colin Kaepernick applauds while seated on stage during W.E.B. Du Bois Medal ceremonies, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Mass. Kaepernick is among eight recipients of Harvard University's W.E.B. Du Bois Medals in 2018. Harvard has awarded the medal since 2000 to people whose work has contributed to African and African-American culture.(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
    Steven Senne/Associated Press

    Colin Kaepernick was awarded the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal by Harvard University on Thursday. 

    The medal is considered "Harvard's highest honor in the field of African and African American studies" and is awarded "to individuals in the United States and across the globe in recognition of their contributions to African and African American culture and the life of the mind."

    Previous recipients of the honor include Muhammad Ali (2015) and Maya Angelou (2014), among others. 

    According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the live stream of the award presentation ceased when Kaepernick stepped to the microphone to address the audience. 

    "Due to the current litigation of W.E.B. Du Boss medalist Colin Kaepernick," the stream read, "no press photography or video livestream will be allowed of his remarks."

    Eric Kane of 7News in Boston passed along a transcript of Kaepernick's remarks:

    Eric Kane @EricKaneTV

    Kaepernick requested that the media not record or broadcast his speech, however he did allow his remarks to be on the record. So here is what he said: https://t.co/KewUJJp0iB

    Kaepernick is currently in the midst of fighting the NFL over a collusion grievance that will advance to trial. 

    Colin Kaepernick Receives W.E.B. Du Bois Medal from Harvard
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    The 30-year-old's last NFL action came in 2016 as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, the same season he initiated his protest of social injustice and police brutality during the national anthem. He has been a free agent ever since. 

    Meanwhile, Kaepernick has developed into a leading civil rights advocate. In January, he completed his pledge of donating $1 million to oppressed communities.