Colin In Black & White: A Learning Companion

In Colin In Black & White, we’re dealing with identity, race, class and culture. The series is an innocent yet powerful story about a young Colin Kaepernick, interwoven with history and social issues. In each episode it was important to center people who have been othered and I believe many people will see themselves in his story.”

– Ava DuVernay

In Colin In Black & White, we’re dealing with identity, race, class and culture. The series is an innocent yet powerful story about a young Colin Kaepernick, interwoven with history and social issues. In each episode it was important to center people who have been othered and I believe many people will see themselves in his story.”

– Ava DuVernay

The television series Colin in Black & White recounts the story of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick during his formative years.

Created by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay and Kaepernick, each episode examines pertinent themes related to Kaepernick’s journey from childhood to adulthood.

Using this companion

This learning companion has been developed to deepen the conversation and inspire personal action after viewing the television series Colin In Black & White.

Each section of the companion contains:

  • Filmatic themes
  • Objectives
  • Essential questions
  • Learner activities
  • Resources for self-reflection and deeper learning
Through multiple lessons and activities, participants will:
  • Explore the themes of race, identity, social construction, coded language, equity and power
  • Take action to change themselves, institutions and systems based on their learnings
Love is the root of our resistance.”
– Colin Kaepernick

Image Courtesy of Colin In Black & White

Using this companion

This learning companion has been developed to deepen the conversation and inspire personal action after viewing the television series Colin In Black & White.

Each section of the companion contains:

  • Filmatic themes
  • Objectives
  • Essential questions
  • Learner activities
  • Resources for self-reflection and deeper learning
Through multiple lessons and activities, participants will:
  • Explore the themes of race, identity, social construction, coded language, equity and power
  • Take action to change themselves, institutions and systems based on their learnings

Love is the root of our resistance.”

– Colin Kaepernick

Curriculum Overview

Setting the Stage

Throughout Colin in Black and White, the contemporary concepts of race in American society and sports are introduced and analyzed. It is important to ground these concepts in the theoretical and historical contexts from which they were born.

Black Lives and Black Beauty

Lesson One challenges participants to learn about the Black aesthetic through research and activities relating to Black lives and Black beauty.

The themes of Lesson One are centered around identity and coded language.

Participants will study how beauty standards influence assimilation and how bias is used in everyday life.

Black Codes and ZIP Codes

Lesson Two explores the connection between Black Codes and ZIP Codes.

The themes of Lesson Two are centered around race and geography.

Participants will analyze how the places they live impact the opportunities they’re given and how they are perceived.

Get Up. Stand Up. Take a Knee.

Lesson Three prompts participants to get up, stand up or take a knee.

The themes of Lesson Three are centered around money and power.

Participants will confront systems of power and the structural components that support them.

Visit the next section of this learning companion, “Setting the Stage,” for an introduction to Social Constructivism in Black and White.

What’s next?

Setting the Stage

What’s next?

Setting the Stage

What’s next?

Setting the Stage