Andy
Like we said before, Last year of 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 for 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 Unveiled The Messenger at DesignerCon 2017 the 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 last year, 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 call
s 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.
Today we see the release date for The Messenger! A fitting time to get your hands on one. The release date is all set to coincide with Super Bowl LII (Minneapolis) February 4th, 2018.
Football players often take a knee when someone suffers a severe injury on the field. An enduring expression of empathy amidst the combative intensity of the game.
Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem in solidarity with African American victims of police brutality. His call for empathy was met with angry vitriol from a polarized society. His message co-opted by powerful interests to serve their own agendas.
But his call for social justice endures through the iconic image of taking a knee – a solemn testament to the injury of those denied the equal humanity which lies at the core of America’s ideals. – Munky King Toys
[box title=”Important Details”]
MATERIAL: Crystal Clear Resin
HEIGHT: 6.5 inches
EDITION SIZE: 50
WHEN: February 4th, 2018. 6:30 pm EST
WHERE: https://munkyking.com/
Cast as a single piece of crystal clear resin for a flawless finish.
Designed by Munky King + kaNO
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#TAKEAKNEE
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