colin in black and white

Colin Kaepernick will be the subject of new Ava DuVernay series for Netflix

Political activist and former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick will be the subject of a new dramatic scripted Netflix series from filmmaker Ava DuVernay (13th, When They See Us). The limited series, titled Colin in Black & White, will focus on Kaepernick’s years an an all-star high school athlete in Turlock, CA, and how his experiences informed the activist he is today. Colin is a producer on the six-part series and will also serve as its narrator.

“Too often we see race and Black stories portrayed through a white lens,” said Kaepernick in a statement. “We seek to give new perspective to the differing realities that Black people face. We explore the racial conflicts I faced as an adopted Black man in a white community, during my high school years. It’s an honor to bring these stories to life in collaboration with Ava for the world to see.”

DuVernay said, “With his act of protest, Colin Kaepernick ignited a national conversation about race and justice with far-reaching consequences for football, culture and for him, personally. Colin’s story has much to say about identity, sports and the enduring spirit of protest and resilience. I couldn’t be happier than to tell this story with the team at Netflix.”

Colin in Black & White was developed in 2019, and was written by Michael Starrbury who also worked on When They See Us. Scripts were completed in May, and Netflix says the series is “coming soon.”

While NFL commissioner Roger Goodell apologized earlier this month for not listening to players about racism, he didn’t mention Kaepernick by name, and the NFL has not offered Kaepernick a deal to play again. He hasn’t played with the NFL since January 1, 2017; during the 2016 season he first took a seat, then knelt during the National Anthem to protest systemic racism and police brutality. After the 2016 season, Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers after they announced they were planning to release him.