Things We Saw Today: Ava DuVernay Boycotts The Superbowl in Support of Colin Kaepernick

Director Ava DuVernay made a statement today on Twitter, sharing that she will be boycotting the Superbowl due to the NFL’s racist treatment of Colin Kaepernick. In her post, she included a powerful spoken word video from poet and activist Hannah L. Drake titled “All You Had to Do Was Play The Game Boy”.

DuVernay wrote, “To watch the game is to compromise my beliefs. It’s not worth it. #ImWithKap”. DuVernay’s sentiment was shared by many others on social media, who were incensed by the NFL’s blackballing of Kaepernick and the treatment of other players protesting police brutality by taking a knee during the National Anthem.

The campaign also raises awareness and funds for Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp, a youth camp designed to “raise awareness on higher education, self empowerment, and instruction to properly interact with law enforcement in various scenarios.” People using the hashtag are encouraged to donate $7 to the fund (Kap’s jersey number) and to tag seven more people to donate. Many celebrities have followed DuVernay’s suit:

(via Variety, image: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

• Anthony Mackie did not love his demise in Avengers: Infinity War. Neither did we, buddy. (via CBR)
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse won seven well deserved trophies at the Annie Awards. (via The Wrap)
• Now here’s a game we can get behind: find out how to stream The Puppy Bowl today! (via Daily Dot)
• Watch Marvel stars share their memories of the legend himself at the Stan Lee Memorial. (via SyfyWire)

Happy Sunday, Mary Suevians!

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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