U.S. national anthem kneeling protests
Beginning in August 2016, some American athletes, most of whom are African American, have protested against systemic racism in the United States by kneeling on one knee while the U.S. national anthem is played. Beginning in 2017, many players also protested against President Donald Trump's criticisms of those involved in the protest, and some against Trump's policies during his time in office. Some observers have praised the players' social awareness. The act itself has become widely referred to as "taking the knee" or "taking a knee". Right-wing backlash to Black athletes kneeling often includes heavy criticism of the athletes for being "unpatriotic"; internet backlash against the players has raised questions over their right to freedom of speech.
Oakland Raiders players kneeling during anthem in 2017
Protestors demanding police accountability
President Trump meeting with the players and staff of New England Patriots at the White House on April 19, 2017, following their Super Bowl LI win over the Atlanta Falcons
Washington Redskins players kneeling before the game with the Oakland Raiders
Taking the knee is a symbolic gesture against racism whereby an individual kneels upon one knee in place of standing to attention for an anthem or other such occasion. It was originated by American football player Colin Kaepernick on September 1, 2016, in protest against the lack of attention given to the issues of racial inequality and police brutality in the United States. Kaepernick's protest led to a wider series of national anthem protests. It has since been adopted by sports players in countries around the world, including association football in the United Kingdom, in solidarity with Kaepernick's protest against racism, and has been seen worldwide in non-sporting contexts such as the Black Lives Matter protests.
Washington Commanders players kneeling before a game against the Oakland Raiders in September 2017
Players from FC Krasnodar and Chelsea F.C. kneeling at the start of a UEFA Champions League match in October 2020
Referee and players of West Ham United F.C. and Manchester City F.C. take the knee on the opening weekend of the 2022–23 Premier League season
Am I Not a Man and a Brother? medallion created as part of anti-slavery campaign by Josiah Wedgwood, 1787