While most of his colleagues wore suits and ties during Monday night's City Council meeting, Councilman Brandon Scott opted for a Colin Kaepernick jersey – the San Francisco quarterback who has sparked a national debate by choosing to sit down during the national anthem.
"It's a show of a solidarity of support for not just Mr. Kaepernick but for all the young people across the country who have decided to take a stand to get the conversation going," Scott said. "This is about the issues. This is about making our country what we all want it to be."
Scott on Monday introduced a resolution asking the General Assembly to authorize the committee to annually evaluate the relationship between the police and Baltimore residents and develop a strategy to engage the public. It passed unanimously.
Del. Antonio L. Hayes, a Baltimore Democrat, is expected to file legislation to create the panel when the General Assembly convenes in January.
Scott said it was only coincidence that he wore the Kaepernick jersey the same day he called for greater civilian oversight of the police.
"We don't say that we have a perfect union," Scott said. "We say we are always working toward a more perfect union. We have a lot of issues going on in this country."
Kaepernick sparked debate during the preseason when he sat down during the national anthem. He told NFL.com that he did not stand for the Star Spangled Banner because he didn't want to "show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."