Dr. Dre, Kaepernick donate to Urban Underground
Colin Kaepernick kept his pledge and donated $1 million to community groups across the country, including $25,000 to Urban Underground, a Milwaukee nonprofit that works with teens.
Now, the pro football player and activist is doing an “encore” with the help of other celebrities — and again, Urban Underground is getting notice.
Rapper Dr. Dre is giving $10,000 to Urban Underground, Kaepernick announced this week on social media.
“Dre has decided to donate 10K to Urban Underground an organization whose vision is to create a culture of excellence, commitment to justice and pursuit of leadership,” Kaepernick said in an online video.
Kaepernick, who was born in Milwaukee, launched his $1 million campaign after he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police misconduct and systemic racism.
Other players joined him in kneeling, sitting or raising a fist during the anthem — and a loud chorus of criticism followed. Critics of the action said it was disrespectful, especially to military members and veterans.
During his campaign, Kaepernick gave $100,000 away each month, usually divided into grants of $25,000 and spread among several small nonprofits.
He made his earlier donation to Urban Underground in October 2016.
“We truly appreciate the support of Colin Kapernick and Dr. Dre for their support of Urban Underground,” the nonprofit wrote on Facebook this week. “We are deeply grateful!”
Urban Underground’s mission is to foster leadership in teens. Of those who participate in the program, 98% earn a high school diploma or GED and 85% enroll in a two- or four-year college, according to the group’s website.