Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Dr. Dre, Kaepernick donate to Urban Undergroun­d

- Journal Sentinel staff

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.

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