“Colin Kaepernick is celebrating the actor who was cast to portray his younger self in his and Ava DuVernay’s new Netflix limited series about his life titled “Colin in Black & White.” The activist and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback shared his excitement on Twitter about the casting of Jaden Michael, who stars in the Netflix movie “Vampires vs. The Bronx.” “I never thought I would be casting a young me in a show about my life,” Kaepernick wrote on Tuesday. “I can’t wait for the world to see @ItsJadenMichael be an all-star on @netflix.” I never thought I would be casting a young me in a show about my life. I can’t wait for the world to see @ItsJadenMichael be an all-star on @netflix #ColinInBlackAndWhite @ava pic.twitter.com/ygb4F4kgM5— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) Oktober 27, 2020 Kaepernick and DuVernay first announced the project back in June. The six-episode series is written by Michael Starrbury, who worked with DuVernay on her acclaimed Netflix series “When They See Us.” Kaepernick, DuVernay and Starrbury serve as executive producers on “Colin in Black & White.” Speaking about Kaepernick’s famous protests against racial injustice and police brutality, DuVernay said in June that “Colin’s story has much to say about identity, sports and the enduring spirit of protest and resilience.” “I couldn’t be happier than to tell this story with the team at Netflix,” the Oscar-nominated filmmaker added. In 2016, Kaepernick notably led peaceful protests against racial injustice by kneeling during the playing of the national anthem at NFL games. The league has been widely accused of blackballing him for his protests. He has remained unsigned by a team since he became a free agent after the 2016 season. Football fans and activists have continued to call for Kaepernick’s return to the league. The former 49ers player has continued his activism off the field with his organization Know Your Rights Camp. Back in April, he started a relief fund to aid Black and brown communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. He announced at the time that he had donated $100,000 to that fund, adding to the list of his ongoing efforts to aid underserved communities. Michael responded to Kaepernick’s praise on Twitter, saying that he was honored to be given the opportunity to portray the activist in the series. “Can’t wait to bring this much needed story to life, especially in these trying times,” he tweeted. Michael currently voices the role of Lucas on Amazon Prime’s animated series “The Bug Diaries.” Wow, it’s truly an honor to be given this oppourtunity. Thanks @ava and @Kaepernick7 ! Can’t wait to bring this much needed story to life, especially in these trying times. ✊🏽 #ColininBlackandWhite https://t.co/NQhGztc7iw— Jaden Michael (@ItsJadenMichael) Oktober 27, 2020 Netflix has yet to announce a release date for “Colin in Black & White.”
