The conversation around Jay-Z’s NFL deal has been heard from newsrooms to barbershops. While there are many perspectives to take into consideration, Omari Hardwick believes we should consider what Mr. Shawn Carter’s move can do to bring Colin Kaepernick’s mission to the next level.
Speaking Swaggy Sie’s SiriusXM show The Heat Wave on SiriusXM’s The Heat this week, the Power star opened up about the parallels of activism and where Jay stands with his decision to partner with the organization.
“Jay-Z’s point which I really understand is that of ‘How how long do we simply pledge in a hazing way of taking a knee and there not being necessary productivity from it or not a conclusion from it (when is there ever conclusion from it) or steps to be closer to a conclusion?'” Hardwick said. The actor, who is a friend of the rap icon, says Jay’s deal can help broker new opportunities for people of color.
As previously reported, Jay’s deal with the NFL provides him with the title of “live music entertainment strategist” which includes a partnership with Roc Nation and the businessman consulting on entertainment, specifically the Super Bowl halftime show, and contributing to the league’s activism campaign, Inspire Change. Other social-justice efforts were left unspecified but as mixed reviews rolled in, it was later rumored that Jay was also looking to take ownership of an NFL team.
Supporters of Kaepernick have slammed Jay for his decision but Hardwick believes there’s more to be discovered.
“With Jay-Z, with all of his power, all of that with it (50 would be the same way) to not act on it and go, ‘Listen Goddell, listen, Commissioner and team, being from the hood and now going to the heights of life that I made it to, these are some steps I think could activate that which Kaepernick and others like him want to activate as opposed to simply going, ‘I’m protesting.'”
“My father says this, ‘When the gun sounded, we of brown color knew what direction to run. If the gun sounds now, we’d be running into each other,'” he added.
“If [Jay’s] view is of that, it is arrogant to assume people without that view would understand what Jay-Z is always doing. Jay-Z’s view and his description of being past that don’t necessarily mean that it’s understandable by the people who are not at the same of view of that, but he’s not forgetting them. His objective is to get the lowest common denominator of those who are brown to a better place. Half the league if not more than half the league is brown.”
When it comes to Kaepernick, the actor says it’s time for the athlete to play football again. “I feel like Kaepernick has to be given some sunshine in terms of playing ball,” he said. “He’s still young. You’re telling me someone who is second or third-string player out there that shouldn’t be second or third-string? Definitely not over Kaepernick.”
Watch the interview below.