Kaepernick’s protest another in a noted history of athletes’ social activism

(MEDIA GENERAL) – San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has dominated headlines the past few weeks for sitting and kneeling for the national anthem – a gesture that many perceive to be offensive and unpatriotic.

Kaepernick, though, says his gesture is calculated, doing so not to offend, but to raise awareness of inequalities facing the black community in the United States, as well as tensions between police officers and minorities.

Kaepernick’s gesture is another in a long line of athletes using their expanded platform to push for social change and stand out against perceived cultural norms.

Click through the gallery for some notable protests.