By : Fidan Ibrahimova and Jack Wilford
Moments before the first notes of the National Anthem rang out across Seacrest Field on Friday, September 9, senior Sterling Smith took a deep breath, then took a knee.
As faces turned toward the flag, a Lincoln Journal Star photographer turned toward Smith and fellow senior player, Michael Baklykov, as they participated in their silent protest. The picture later went viral, garnering hundreds of comments on social media.
“I told my teammates that I was going to do this,” said Smith. “ I didn’t expect them to follow me, but I wanted them to respect my decision.”
Colin Kaepernick, an NFL quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, recently protested against social injustice and police brutality by sitting for the national anthem at their game against the Green Bay Packers on August 26. He changed his protest to kneeling against the Los Angeles Rams on September 1. Smith sees Kaepernick as a catalyst for change.
“He definitely sparked an inspiration for a lot of people. He used his influence as an NFL quarterback to do something completely outside of football.”
Smith was ready to take on the negativity and consequences that followed his actions. Some of the consequences included the sacrifice of college offers he may receive, or the outcry from parents and community members that say he needs to be kicked off the team.
“That’s just the sacrifice I am willing to make when it comes down to it,” said Smith.
According to him, a lot of people around the community are confusing what he is truly protesting against.
“It’s like pledging allegiance to a flag that hasn’t pledged allegiance to you,” said Smith, “It’s not anything against the veterans, I have complete respect for the military.”
Smith’s grandfathers both fought for two important wars. One was a gunman in the Vietnam war, while the other was in the Navy in the North Korean war.
Smith said his biggest protest is against social injustices including police brutality, police reform, prison reform, equality in workplace, equal pay, and education systems in communities affected by poverty.
“I advocate for equality and justice on all spectrums, but history has proven to repeat itself countless times, and for that reason, the liberation of minorities in this country has been, and will remain the main focus for me,” stated Smith in a Facebook post from September 12.
Smith has been active in other civil rights movements including Black Lives Matter and the North Dakota pipeline.
And while his actions at last Friday’s game have been recognized at a local, state, national, and even international level, Smith said it is about more than just publicity.
“I wanted to give a voice for the voiceless,” said Smith.
