Henderson, NV -- July 21, 2019 –Today, Rev. Bill Owens, long-time Civil Rights advocate, educator, and president of the Coalition of African American Pastors (CAAP), along with David Welch, president of the U.S. Pastor Council, announced that they plan to hold a joint press conference on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 11:00 am. At the press conference, they will declare a boycott of Nike until it severs its relationship with former pro athlete Colin Kaepernick. Following the comments by Kaepernick on the American founding and Nike’s willingness to cater to his extremist views, Owens and Welch felt that such attacks could not go unchecked.
“Mr. Kaepernick’s limited and narrow-minded understanding of history weakens who we are as Americans,” stated Rev. Owens. “It ignores the journey we have made as a country - as Americans of all races, creeds, and colors - and approaches American ideals and history in an insultingly simplistic way. Leftists like Mr. Kaepernick do not understand the historical value of our shared American experience. He wants to turn history into a children’s story and expunge it of its deeper lessons and nuances. But that is not just impossible; it’s a detriment to any civilized society. We cannot expunge history: It’s our guide, teacher, and inspiration. It should motivate us to move forward, not tear it down or hide what made us who we are.”
Owens and Welch also talked about the strength of Americans: “We must be bold enough to stand amid those who want to transform America and clearly state what our standards are, what we value. That’s what leaders do. America must continue to lead in democracy by embracing the foundations of this great nation. We cannot capitulate to ideologies that fixate on the past and thwart progress. The future is now and ahead of us, and we are bold enough to face whatever challenges exist. That’s what America has always done.”
“We must recognize the effort to derail our nation via an agenda that promotes hateful, anti-American sentiments put forth by personalities such as Colin Kaepernick ... whose views are funded by NIKE. We will not be silent because these views ultimately hurt poor black communities. These are the same communities that desperately need someone who will point out the real, practical issues they face - like the undocumented immigrants flooding their neighborhoods and draining resources.”
Owens urged Kaepernick to use the energy he spends on anti-American protest to help black Americans deal with real, everyday problems: “Rather than engaging in political theater, Mr. Kaepernick should lobby black lawmakers to address the needs of black families. Disparaging the flag and attempting to erase our history speak of an obsession with the past. Why not show the courage to look to the future by working for better job opportunities for African Americans or standing up for the black men who find themselves displaced by unchecked immigration?”
“By calling for a boycott of Nike, we are setting a standard. Americans must send a strong message to Nike and activists like Kaepernick who want to fundamentally transform our country. We will not tolerate anti-American politics in our advertising, media, or the companies we patronize. We stand for America,” concluded Rev. Bill Owens.
The Petition can be found at: caapusa.org/2019/07/ask-nike-to-stand-up-for-america/
For interviews contact: Dr. Janice Hollis, Hollis Media Group 267-250-1222
Location: Hilton Post Oak Hotel 2001 Post Oak Blvd.
Houston, TX 77056
Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Time: 11:00am