Athlete, activist, philanthropist, and author Colin Kaepernick to close LibLearnX

CHICAGO – Activist and author Colin Kaepernick will close the American Library Association’s 2022 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience conference on Jan. 24, 2022. He will discuss his first children’s book, I Color Myself Different, available April 2022 from Scholastic Press and Kaepernick Publishing. This picture book, illustrated by Eric Wilkerson, is a joyful ode to Black and Brown people and communities and is based on the real events from young Colin’s life. It’s a story of self-discovery, self-love, and staying true to yourself.

In August 2016, Kaepernick made headlines around the world when, before a preseason game, he chose not to stand during the “Star-Spangled Banner.” His action sparked a movement, and he has become widely known for his work challenging  anti-Blackness and systemic oppressions. 

Co-founded in 2015, the first Know Your Rights Camp in Oakland was fully funded by Kaepernick in October of 2016 to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown people through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization, and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders. In 2018, he completed the Million Dollar Pledge, personally donating $1 million dollars to 37 organizations fighting for justice. He also rallied the support of friends, including, J. Cole, Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams, Steph Curry, Zendaya, and more, who matched his donations to raise an additional $400,000+, helping grassroots organizations to continue their work on the ground in their respective communities.

In 2019, he founded Kaepernick Publishing to elevate a new generation of writers and creators through the development and publication of meaningful works of all genres with the focus of amplifying diverse views and voices. Kaepernick will discuss his first children’s book, “I Color Myself Different,” available April 2022. 

ALA President-Elect Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada will also present during the closing session. 

LibLearnX is a virtual, four-day learning conference that invites ALA members, ALA Student members and international members to contribute to the conversation and participate in real-time learning and networking activities. Designed as an active learning experience, LibLearnX offers a variety of “session types” in assorted “topics” that support a range of instructional methods. You will explore experiential learning — “learning by doing.” From hands-on workshops to “bite-sized” informal offerings, attendees can create a schedule to match your learning style and objectives. Explore the list of education sessions, with more to be added.

The LLX Marketplace will host exhibitors offering the newest titles, leading technologies and core services for ALA Members.

Additional learning features include ShopTalks, Learning Labs and Accelerators and will support a range of instructional methods to give attendees control in setting priorities and choosing the right content, materials and methods that match their learning styles and objectives. More than 120 education sessions will be hosted in a wide variety of subject matter topics, including Books and Authors; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Career Development & Leadership; Community Outreach & Partnerships; Digital Equity; Mental Health, Technology Innovation; and more.

Get updates from the 2022 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience website and follow the hashtag #LibLearnX and social media: ALA Twitter, ALA Facebook, and Instagram. 

Media interested in registering for the session may contact Macey Morales, deputy director, ALA Communications and Marketing Office at [email protected].

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.