
They have both taken a stand. Now they are standing together.

Ever since NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee on the field during the national anthem to protest police brutality against people of color, conservatives from Trump on down have sought to make his life a living hell.

Kaepernick’s protest sparked a movement among black athletes, to which Trump responded with nothing but racist tirades and petty attacks. He even crudely demanded that when a player chooses to kneel, owners should "get that son of a bitch off the field."

Meanwhile, Kaepernick has found himself out of work and blackballed by the NFL, with team owners pointedly passing him up in favor of less talented players.


But Kaepernick continues to advocate for what is right — and those on the side of justice honor him for it.

This year, in addition to being honored by the ACLU, he was awarded Sports Illustrated’s Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. And in an unexpected twist, Beyoncé presented the award to him.

Beyonce is making a surprise appearance to present Colin Kaepernick with the SI Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. She starts with "thank you." — Jake Seiner (@Jake_Seiner) December 6, 2017

Beyoncé presents Colin Kaepernick with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award at the Sports Illustrated Awards tonight! pic.twitter.com/U9J4gwmGdA — Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 6, 2017

"Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion," said Beyoncé. "Only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception, to change the way we treat each other. Especially people of color who are still waiting for the world to catch up."

"Thank you, Colin Kaepernick. Thank you for your selfless heart and your conviction. Thank you for your personal sacrifice," she added.

Beyoncé, like Kaepernick, has been a target of animosity by the right for her passionate support of Black Lives Matter. And like Kaepernick, she is continually expected to be "grateful" for what white America has "given" her.

But also like Kaepernick — who donated hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money to help oppressed communities — Beyoncé does what she thinks is right, and refuses to let the world dictate what her voice should be.

The hardest time to speak out is when you know you will be punished for it. Those who do so earn a special place in history.