In the same week that Nike released a new ad narrated by Colin Kaepernick and some offended fans burned their Nike gear, Jeré Longman’s essay draws a parallel between the raised fists of athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1969 Olympics to protest the ongoing injustice suffered by black Americans and the kneeling of Kaepernick during the national anthem fifty years later.  “Kaepernick is a direct activist descendant of Smith and Carlos, unyielding in his conviction, fully understanding of risk and sacrifice and the power and dignity of silent gesture.”  To read the complete essay, click here.