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Erykah Badu got things started off the right way as host of the 2017 Soul Train Awards.
Appearing on stage just after a high-energy performance from Lady of Soul Award honorees SWV, Ms. Badu walked to the center of the stage and immediately took a knee, before sharing brief words of praise for former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
“Kaep we appreciate you giving your life,” she said, as she kneeled. “Giving up your dream because you believe in us.”
The beloved songstress remained on one knee while delivering a few more remarks to open the show, as audience members raised their fists in a display of solidarity. Badu closed out the segment with a few not-so-thinly veiled jabs at Donald Trump and his consistently poor decision-making since becoming President.
Kaepernick has gained the support of many in and outside of the Hollywood community after spending 2017 leading a selfless, revolutionary campaign calling for an end to systemic oppression and disregard for communities of color in America.
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