Colin Kaepernick was honored and met with a standing ovation at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California's Bill of Rights dinner on Sunday.
Kaepernick received the Eason Monroe Courageous Advocate Award and was a surprise honoree to those in attendance.
Kaepernick began protesting against oppression by sitting or kneeling during the playing of the national anthem last season. Currently a free agent, he has continued his activism by donating to organizations fighting oppression.
"We all have an obligation no matter the risk, and regardless of reward, to stand up for our fellow men and women who are being oppressed with the understanding that human rights cannot be compromised," Kaepernick said in an acceptance speech, reports Alene Tchekmedyian of the Los Angeles Times.
