The 49ers opened their annual State of the Franchise meeting with season-ticket holders by addressing the Black Lives Matter movement as the "first topic," according to Cam Inman of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. 49ers CEO Jed York during the virtual event "spoke how the 49ers gained awareness on racial inequality during the 2016 season when, with their endorsement, Colin Kaepernick launched his protests during the national anthem." The 49ers currently have a Black Lives Matter flag "being flown atop Levi’s Stadium," and the team has pledged $1M "to social initiatives this offseason" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 6/23).
MESSAGE BREAKING THROUGH: In San Jose, Dieter Kurtenbach writes the 49ers' Black Lives Matter flag shows Kaepernick's message is "breaking through in a big way." The flag represents "progress," though it is just a "small gesture, and yes it took too long" to come about. There will be "many that are 'triggered' by the flag and the message." There also will be people who "view the flag flying at Levi’s Stadium as a cynical ploy by the 49ers -- a gesture that’s too little too late from an organization that more than a few believe didn’t stand by Kaepernick when they had the chance." York and the team in recent weeks have pledged to donate $1M to local and national organizations that are creating “'change,' ostensibly toward more racial equality in America." Kurtenbach: "The flag is nice, the donations are better, but if they truly believe in the cause, their involvement cannot be a short-term deal" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 6/24).
