We all remember the Colin Kaepernick incident.

Yet again, how could one forget?

Although his actions weren’t appropriate, they raised awareness on black inequality within our unjustified society. It wasn’t a publicity stunt. It was an action that raised awareness on the societal issues African Americans face throughout the nation.

After Kaepernick decided to sit before the Gatorade coolers that cold October day, people immediately were talking about it. Some believed that Kaepernick’s actions made him un-American while others believed that it was a step towards change. But Kaepernick wasn’t purposely trying to degrade his country in any way, he was just trying to send a powerful message that ended up grabbing negative attention. His stunt wasn’t the best idea. He could have spoken to the public regarding these societal issues in a respectful way, but instead decided to do something that eventually resulted in offending the public.

Two months after Kaepernick’s stunt, people are beginning to respond to his actions by raising awareness themselves.

R&B artist Sevyn Streeter for example, publicly flaunts a “We Matter” 79ers jersey during a their season opener against Oklahoma City Thunder.

Streeter was informed two minutes before her performance that she would not be allowed to wear the jersey on stage because of the message it sent to fans.

Although the 76ers offered her an alternate shirt to sing, she refused. She didn’t want the NBA to determine how she wants to express herself on this issue.

The actions of famous singers and athletes are starting a movement. People are beginning to accept Kaepernick’s actions and are inspired to act upon their beliefs. They aren’t harming anyone, they simply are trying to send a message to the public.

Celebrities influence society. What they do and how they express themselves leaves an impact. Schools around the country have been following in the footsteps of Kaepernick by kneeling during the National Anthem.

Football players from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, N.J., for example, kneeled on the turf before their football game on Sept. 11.

People reacted.

Today, people must do the unthinkable to get their point across. It’s sad. We can’t civilly talk about our beliefs or express ourselves anymore without offending someone. No matter what, people will think that their actions are right and the opinions of others are just trivial blurbs that serve no significance.

Society isn’t unified, we are scattered individuals who play the blame game whenever something isn’t going the way we want it to. We automatically jump and point our fingers at somebody who disagrees with us rather than reasoning with them. From the Colin Kaepernick incident to Sevyn Streeter’s performance, you don’t have to agree.

What you can do, is simply recognize the message they are trying to send and understand where they are coming from.