Bruce Springsteen, Colin Kaepernick Honoured by ACLU as Rock Legend Performs ‘Streets of Minneapolis’

Bruce Springsteen and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick have been honoured by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for their contributions to civil rights and American culture.

The pair received the Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science and Sports during the ACLU’s biennial leadership conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

Hosted by actress Laverne Cox, the ceremony celebrated public figures who have used their influence to champion civil rights and social justice.

“It’s important for us to recognise all of the people who are contributing to the fight to protect civil rights and civil liberties,” ACLU President Deborah Archer said.

“Those folks – actors, athletes – these folks have all shown up in incredibly powerful ways.”

Springsteen brought the evening to a memorable close with a solo performance of “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song inspired by the 2020 killing of George Floyd and the nationwide protests that followed. The performance was later uploaded to the rock legend’s official YouTube channel.

Kaepernick, whose decision to kneel during the U.S. national anthem in 2016 sparked a nationwide debate over police brutality and racial injustice, reflected on the importance of defending civil liberties while accepting the award.

“We know our civil liberties are under attack, we know humanity is under attack, education is under attack. They are trying to encroach on our rights, encroach on our dignity, encroach on the future that we want to build together,” he said.

He added that history would be shaped by people’s actions rather than their words, urging communities to stand up for the rights of others and work together to build a better future.

The awards recognised both Springsteen and Kaepernick for using their platforms to advocate for civil rights, equality and social justice through music, activism and public service.