Professional athletes aren’t the only ones participating in the #TakeaKnee movement.
Before his headlining set at the 2017 Global Citizen Festival on Saturday, the legendary singer Stevie Wonder delivered a powerful message alongside his son, Kwame Morris.
"It is only through life we can make life happen through ourselves and each other. Our global brothers and sisters, I didn’t come here to preach, but I’m telling you, our spirits must be in the right place all the time," he told the crowd at Central Park. "Tonight, I’m taking a knee for America—not just one knee, but both knees in prayer for our planet, our future, and leaders of our world."
#TakeaKnee started in 2016 when Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the national anthem. He later explained it was a silent protest against the mistreatment of racial minorities in the country. More and more athletes have since joined the movement, garnering praise and criticism from sports fans.
During a Friday campaign rally with Alabama Sen. Luther Strange, Donald Trump condemned the protests and encouraged coaches to fire any athlete who participated: "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out. He's fired! He's fired!'"
A day after his remarks, journalist and activist Shaun King announced at least 50 other athletes confirmed they will join the national anthem protest.