The police system in the USA has been charged with institutional racism, both in its origin as a tool of slave owners, as well as in its evolution to its present form. Today, countless examples and statistics show how the Black community is still disproportionately targeted by police brutality, despite multiple endeavours of procedural reform and sensitisation training.
Taking the knee is a symbolic form of silent protest adopted by the anti-racism movement, beginning with NFL player Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem. In his words, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour”.
Recently, police officers have been seen at BLM protests taking the knee in solidarity.