Hollywood director Ava DuVernay has turned her talents to former NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick — for a limited series which will debut on streaming platform, Netflix.
Colin in Black & White is a scripted limited drama that has already been picked up by the monthly subscription service.
The six-episode series provides an introspective look at Kaepernick’s early life as a Black child growing up with a white adopted family and his journey to becoming a great quarterback while defining his identity.
Starrbury and DuVernay are back at the helm. The pair last worked together on Netflix’s acclaimed When They See Us, which received 16 Emmy Award Nominations.
“With his act of protest, Colin Kaepernick ignited a national conversation about race and justice with far-reaching consequences for football, culture and for him, personally,” said DuVernay. “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.”
Kaepernick has been back in the spotlight following the recent protests across the country over the death killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police.
Kap was allegedly blackballed from the NFL after he took a knee in protest of police brutality back in 2016. He faced harsh criticism from the top dogs in the league, and even from President Trump.
Kaepernick shared he felt it was important that a Black director tell his story.
“Too often we see race and Black stories portrayed through a white lens,” said Kaepernick. “We seek to give new perspective to the differing realities that Black people face. We explore the racial conflicts I faced as an adopted Black man in a white community, during my high school years. It’s an honor to bring these stories to life in collaboration with Ava for the world to see.”
“We’re proud to bring Colin’s experience and his creative vision to life as he joins Ava to share his powerful story and message with all our members around the world,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President, Original Content for Netflix. “It is an unparalleled union of two strong and defining voices coming together to tell the story about what it’s like to be Black in America.”
