*Former NFL quarterback-turned activist Colin Kaepernick has inspired and galvanized millions of people worldwide.
After he was captured kneeling during the national anthem before games – a gesture he later explained was in protest of police brutality – the soft-spoken athlete was exiled from the NFL and condemned by legions of right-leaning critics.
Instead of capitulating to the NFL’s urging for players to stand during the anthem, Kaepernick pivoted in a different direction and refocused his efforts to empower the disenfranchised and underserved in communities of color nationwide.
Kaepernick recently announced that he will release his memoir – “Colin Kaepernick: The Inspirational Story of Football Superstar Colin Kaepernick” – through his own publishing company, Kaepernick Publishing, in 2020. Audible will exclusively release the audio version.
Part political awakening and part memoir, Kaepernick’s memoir will reveal the life experiences that led him to risk his career as a star NFL Super Bowl quarterback in one silent act of protest. Kaepernick Publishing has also entered into a multi-project deal with Audible to create original audio projects focused on amplifying the voices of notable authors, creators and other influential figures.
“My protest was the culmination of years of thought and experiences, of learning and unlearning. I want to tell the story of my evolution, and the events that led me to protest systemic oppression, in hopes that it will inspire others to rise in action,” said Kaepernick. “I am excited that through this groundbreaking partnership between Kaepernick Publishing and Audible, we can elevate Black and Brown voices who can empower future generations.”
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Rachel Ghiazza, SVP Content Acquisition and Development, Audible, stated: “Throughout our history, Audible has been proud to connect its millions of listeners with a wide spectrum of important voices and powerful stories. In this recording, Colin Kaepernick takes listeners through the pivotal moments and experiences that inspired a national debate and cultural movement.” She continued, “We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking creative venture with Kaepernick Publishing in which together we can elevate stories and perspectives that need to be heard.”
Kaepernick founded his own publishing company to reinforce the importance of Black ownership, which will extend to the authors, writers and creators with whom Kaepernick Publishing works. Kaepernick Publishing’s vision is to give power to Black and Brown voices globally, offering unprecedented ownership options to collaborators and bringing greater diversity and representation to literature and spoken word.
In addition to the exclusive audio release on Audible, Colin Kaepernick’s memoir will be published in print and e-book by Kaepernick Publishing and in partnership with Melcher Media, with distribution by Two Rivers Distribution, an Ingram Brand.
