Danette O'Neal, PhD

“To choose to peacefully protest social injustice, bigotry or racism by kneeling during the national anthem is actually very patriotic. Having the freedom of expression is exactly what America is about. The misconception is that kneeling is about NOT being patriotic and that’s is not what this movement is about. It has always been about police brutality and the pervasiveness of lethal force being used on unarmed, black citizens without any consequence. If Nazis were allowed to march in Charlottesville on behalf of white supremacy, and that is not considered anti-patriotic (even called ‘fine citizens’ by some) then any American should have the right to peacefully protest to demand justice for all citizens, particularly those that are being disproportionately targeted and oppressed. Again this isn’t an anti-American movement, it’s a pro-justice movement. Justice for everyone is something that we can all agree upon. Unfortunately the original purpose of the protest has been lost on many. This is not about not liking the country, it is about making it better. God Bless America. 🇺🇸💯” ~ Ramon Peralta