Culture June 30, 2020

Ava DuVernay to direct 6-part series on Colin Kaepernick's early life

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Colin Kaepernick's adolescent years will be made into a six-part series on Netflix thanks to Ava DuVernay.

Netflix announced on Monday that the Oscar nominee will direct and produce the forthcoming scripted drama titled "Colin in Black & White." The limited series will focus on Kaepernick's teenage life and high school experience growing up as a Black child adopted by a white family.

Kaepernick will narrate the series, which is expected to cast an actor to play a younger version of the quarterback. The series will also take a look at Kaepernick's early journey to become the activist he is today.

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In 2016, Kaepernick became the face of protests against police brutality when he knelt during the national anthem.

"Too often we see race and Black stories portrayed through a white lens," Kaepernick said in a statement. "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."

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"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," added 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."

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Emmy nominee Michael Starrbury, who previously worked with DuVernay on Netflix's Peabody-winning limited series "When They See Us," will write the script and serve as executive producer alongside DuVernay and Kaepernick.

There is no set release date for the series.