Tracking the Kaepernick Effect: The anthem protests are spreading

On Monday night, hours after video of another unarmed black man being shot and killed by police was released, four players on the Philadelphia Eagles raised their firsts in front of a national television audience during the national anthem.

The action was clearly a continuation of the movement Colin Kaepernick started three weeks ago when he remained seated during the national anthem as a way to protest police brutality and racial injustice in America.

In fact, since Kaepernick first stood up for the cause by refusing to stand, 21 NFL players have joined his protest, as have athletes in high schools, youth leagues, and colleges all across the country.

The peaceful protests have not come without a cost; kids as young as 11 have received death threats, and professional players have lost endorsements. Still, nearly every day, more athletes of all ages take a knee during the national anthem at sporting events, and there’s no indication they’ll stop anytime soon. In fact, some NBA players have already told reporters they plan to join in once their season begins.

ThinkProgress has been monitoring the spread of the movement closely. Below, you will find a timeline of the protests breaking out across the nation.

COURTESY OF THINKPROGRESS