The Kaepernick Effect

<p><strong>Riveting and inspiring first-person stories of how taking a knee triggered a political awakening among athletes of all ages and levels from the celebrated sportswriter</strong> <br><br><strong>“With profiles of courage that leap of the page Zirin uncovers a whole national movement of citizen-athletes fighting for racial justice.” <br></strong><strong>-Ibram X. Kendi National Book Award-winning author of <em>Stamped from the Beginning</em></strong></p>
<p>Hailed by <em>Publishers Weekly</em> in a starred review as “an enthralling look at the impact of peaceful protest by sports figures at the high school college and professional levels” <em>The Kaepernick Effect</em> explores the story of how quarterback Colin Kaepernick's simple act of “taking a knee” spread like wildfire throughout American society becoming the preeminent public symbol of resistance to America’s persistent racial inequality.</p>
<p>In this powerful book critically acclaimed sports journalist and author Dave Zirin chronicles “the Kaepernick effect” for the first time through “a riveting collection of first-person stories” (<em>The Nation</em>) from high school athletes and coaches college stars and high-powered athletic directors and professional athletes across many different sports—from Megan Rapinoe to Michael Bennett. In each case he uncovers the fascinating explanations and motivations behind what became a mass political movement in sports.</p>
<p>“Necessary reading for all especially those who want to make a difference in promoting social justice equity and inclusion and end police brutality” (<em>Library Journal</em> starred review) <em>The Kaepernick Effect</em> is for anyone seeking to get involved in the new movement for racial justice in America: “Take a knee everyone and start a revolution” (<em>Kirkus Reviews</em>).</p>