TTC Beard
One of the major talking points over the past 12 months is the story of NFL star Colin Kaepernick taking a stand (or a knee, literally) during the US national anthem, played before each American Football game. Kaepernick has taken his high profile status and created a powerful movement, something that hasn’t been seen in some time. Protesting against the oppression of people of colour and ongoing issues with police brutality. It’s a historic stance. Iconic. It has divided America. Munky King will unveil at DesignerCon a new art piece in tribute to Colin and his stance to bring serious social issues to light and try to evoke change. Although, sadly this art piece is also a tribute to the nephew of Munky King’s president, Patrick Lam. Read on for more details…
Patrick released a statement via his Instagram HERE earlier today, we’ve captured the statement below. You’ll read and you’ll understand the magnitude of this release.
As a Niners fan, it was inspiring to see Colin Kaepernick take Muhammad Ali’s journey from hotshot to activist. Being an Asian man, I have a certain amount of privilege when it comes to the police. But my wife is African American and we have 2 kids. I recently had the “hoodie talk” with my 13-year-old son. So it’s personal.
And it became more so on February 23rd, 2017, when my nephew Greg Benton ended up like other Black men after a traffic stop by police…unjustifiably dead. But Greg was not the thug they made him out to be in their reports and on TV. I spent my first real Christmas with him when he was 8. Even in his 30’s, he called me Uncle Pat. He was a father, a brother, and a son. We miss him dearly.
We reached out to our longtime friend and artist, kaNO, to design a figure around the now iconic image of Kap taking a knee. And although this issue has polarized America, kaNO did not hesitate to lend his name and talents to the project.
Like a raised fist or a burning monk, Kap’s symbolic gesture calls attention to an issue of basic civil rights. It’s not about the Flag or the National Anthem. Which is why we’re calling this piece… The Messenger.
Powerful message.
At DCon 2017, the Designer Toy world will get a first glimpse at this tribute to Colin & Greg. We look forward to bring you further insight to this release as we get more information during DCon.
