In September of 2016, football player and activist Colin Kaepernick pledged to donate $1 million of his personal salary to charities and organizations that give aid to underserved and oppressed communities. In just over a year, he’s just a few signatures away from achieving that goal.
Kaepernick himself has already donated $900,000 to 31 organizations. On January 17th, 2018, he invited other celebrities to join him as he announced his final $100,000 in donations. He encouraged them to match his donations, $10,000 at a time.
Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Jesse Williams, T.I., and Snoop Dogg were among those who joined him in his #10for10 initiative. Snoop Dogg in particular seemed to jump at the chance, more than doubling the suggested $10,000 to instead donate $25,000 to his chosen charity, Dallas-based Mothers Against Police Brutality. Kaepernick’s contribution brings the total to $35,000.
Mothers Against Police Brutality has been active since 2013, founded by Collette Flanagan. Flanagan’s son, Clinton Allen, was killed in an altercation with police earlier that year. The isolation that she felt in the aftermath inspired her to connect with other mothers similarly affected, to join forces to create a political presence.
Snoop Dogg stated in an Instagram post that he is “so inspired” by the work that Mothers Against Police Brutality has done. The rapper has spoken up against police violence in the past.
“It’s no secret that Uncle Snoop Dogg has transcended into global mega-stardom and even though he’s busier than ever, our brother still finds time to give back to the community in so many ways,” gushed Kaepernick on his Facebook page. “Like a true OG, Uncle Snoop didn’t even flinch when I reached out to him about being part of my #MillionDollarPledge.”
MAPB will use the donation to continue uniting the families left devastated by police violence, giving them a platform and a voice until their losses are given the address they deserve.