Just days after the National Police Organization wrote a formal letter to Nike, condemning the brand for its decision to feature Colin Kaepernick in its 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign, the National Black Police Association released a letter of support for the ad.
In the letter, obtained by TMZ and activist Shaun King, the NBPA scoffed at the NAPO’s call for a boycott over the ad, and its message.
“The National Black Police Association is not in agreement with NAPO on this matter,” the NBPA said in its letter to the company. “We strongly condemn their call for police officers and their families to boycott Nike and its products.”
“Your inclusion of Mr. Kaepernick in your ads seem appropriate to us,” the organization said, acknowledging that the 1st Amendment “is a right of the police,” referencing Kaepernick’s silent protest against police brutality and social injustices, which is, in fact, protected by the first amendment.
“The NBPA believes that Mr. Kaepernick’s stance is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for — the protection of a people, their human rights, their dignity, their safety, and their rights as American citizens,” the letter continued.
“NAPO has shown an adeptness at maintaining the police status quo and the tone in their letter further validates Mr. Kaepernick’s concerns, as it undermines the trust that is needed by law enforcement in order for the profession to maintain its legitimacy.”
As it continued, the organization condemned its counterparts for its stance, which the NBPA believed “only perpetuates the narrative that police are racist, with no regard, acknowledgment, respect or understanding of the issues and concerns of the African American community.”
“For NAPO to presuppose that Mr. Kaepernick has not made sacrifices because he did not die on a battlefield, shows you just how out of touch NAP is with the African American community,” it continued, ending with, “We will likely be buying and wearing lots of Nike products in the near future.”
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