National Black Police Association Letter to Nike on Colin Kaepernick

2018 Nationai Officers Sonia Y.W Pruitt Chairperson Carlos Bratcher Vice?Chairperson lakisha Jones Secretary Ana Hester Fiscal Officer Sabrina Tapp-Harper Sergeant?at?Arms Perro Henson, .lr. Parliamentarian Carolyn Stevenson Chaplain NATIONAL BLACK POLICE ASSOCIATION 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, #230 Dallas, Texas 75203 Phone/ Fax 855.879.6272 September 5, 2018 Mr. Mark Parker Chairman, President and CEO Nike World Headquarters One Bowerman Drive Beaverton, OR 97005 Mr. Parker: It is with great dismay that we were made aware of a letter that you received from the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) regarding your use of Colin Kaepernick in your new ?Just Do It? advertising campaign. The National Black Police Association (NBPA) is not in agreement with NAPO on this matter, and we strongly condemn their call for police officers and their families to boycott Nike and its products. Your inclusion of Mr. Kaepernick in your ads seems appropriate to us. We live in a country where the 1St Amendment is a right of the people. Mr. Kaepernick chose to exercise his right where his passion was?on the football field. NAPO believes that Mr. Kaepernick?s choice to openly protest issues surrounding police brutality, racism and social injustices in this country makes him anti?police. On the contrary, the NBPA believes that Mr. Kaepernick?s stance is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for-the protection of a people, their human rights, their dignity, their safety, and their rights as American citizens. NAPO has shown an adeptness at maintaining the police status quo and the tone in their letter further validates Mr. Kaepernick?s concerns, as it undermines the trust that is needed by law enforcement in order for the profession to maintain its legitimacy. That NAPO has chosen this matter to take a stance, only perpetuates the narrative that police are racist, with no regard, acknowledgement, respect, or understanding ofthe issues and concerns of the African- American community. Your quote ?Believe in something. Even if it means sacri?cing everything." is also appropriate as it relates to Mr. Kaepernick. For NAPO to presuppose that Mr. Kaepernick has not made sacrifices because he did not die on a battlefield, shows you just how out of touch NAPO is with the African?American community. We would like for them to stop their false narrative that you are not worthy of respect unless you were in the military or worked in law enforcement. The beauty of this country are the countless sacrifices that all people make in their everyday lives. The African?American community makes a sacrifice each time a life is unjustly lost at the hands of the very people who should protect them. A sacrifice is made each time the criminal justice system treats Mission Statement To increase the awareness of the community, to be the conscience of the Criminal Justice System, and to enhance the quality of life in the African American Community

NATIONAL BLACK POLICE ASSOCIATION 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, #230 Dallas, Texas 75203 Phone/ Fax 855.879.6272 people of color as less than. A sacrifice is made each time a letter is sent asking of?cers to boycott a corporation, without asking those very African-American of?cers who are most affected, what their opinion is. If they had asked the NBPA, we would have told them that they are out of line, and that the NBPA supports any person or group who exercises their right to peacefully protest against any form of social injustice, including police brutality and racism. The NBPA proudly supports Nike and your use of Mr. Kaepernick in your new ?Just Do It? advertising campaign. Truth and upholding the Constitutional rights of citizens, are cornerstones of leadership in policing. Our mission includes striving constantly to bridge the gap between law enforcement and our communities?we are committed to ensuring equity for the community, as we work to enhance trust, legitimacy, transparency, and accountability in policing. We will likely be buying and wearing lots of Nike products in the near future. Best wishes, . 1 Sonia Y.W. Pruitt National Chairperson Mission Statement To increase the awareness of the community, to be the conscience of the Criminal Justice System, and to enhance the quality of life in the African American Community