Colin In Black & White - Magazine Article

This article is from our print magazine issued January 1st 2022. To order a copy of the magazine please do so here.

This 6 episode series explains how Colin Kaepernick, a football star, deals with the drama of being black with two white parents, race issues, class and culture, and athletic rules that seem to apply only to him. The story line takes place with him in high school being a great athlete until he wants to get braids like his eighth grade idol, Allen Iverson.

The show is narrated by Colin, himself and allows him to break down his opinions and feelings for how things went during each episode. The story line is powerful and relatable to many young athletes trying to make it, kids who grow up adopted, young black athletes, and those who are in lower income neighborhoods.

Each episode allows Colin to describe how he felt at a certain point in his life that must’ve made a big impact on his future and the way he felt about the game, family, friends and his heritage. Each episode is 34 minutes. According to Netflix, the show is provocative, heartfelt, inspiring and emotional. Jaden Michael, the young Colin Kaepernick, plays a confused, hurt and passionate young man who doesn’t get why being darker than most of his high school peers, has to hold back on his physical expression because others don’t understand it.

In the first episode called Cornrows, Jaden plays an excited young Kaepernick exploring his African American side he feels so at home with by getting his hair braided. Although, his mother is supportive and trys to help him, those around him see him as a hoodlum and a threat. In episode 2, he plays a freshman quarterback who is great, but because his opponent is white with a better “look” he is surpassed for the position and hurt by the decision. In episode 3 called Road Trip, his family travels to baseball tournaments and Kaepernick is faced with full on racism. Episode 4, The Decision, is about Colin not wanting to play baseball, but football, and how most doubted his abilities. Episode 5, Crystal, details how Colin liking a black teen at his school, he is criticized bu friends, family and school mates. In the final episode, called Dear Colin, it details how hard it was for Colin to make the decision he felt right making for his career.

Colin In Black & White, is a story line about fighting for what you believe in, what you want others to believe in and your faith in yourself. Although non of these episodes discuss his current football career, you can see where it is going and how Colin can feel the way he does today about African Americans, and the treatment they receive in the United States.

This series is a tasteful and informative way to explore the life and legacy of Colin Kaepernick. It sheds light on his journey and his family life. What could be more confusing to a boy fighting for his life with wonderful parents, that just didn’t understand his struggles of racism. As hip-hop culture transformed into a lovable music genre, back in his youthful days, this was considered offensive and exploitive music that was viewed as negative. His idol, Iverson, was considered unruly and aggressive, because of his style of dress. This show is about a culture and how being true to yourself is the most important thing you can do. Grow, live, and change the world. Keep growing and inspiring.