Charlotte Protesters Inspired by Colin Kaepernick Take Knee in Demonstration

Demonstrations continued Thursday night in the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, and peaceful protesters followed the lead of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

The Niners signal-caller has knelt during the singing of the national anthem since the preseason in an effort to bring awareness to police violence against African-Americans. As seen in this photo, courtesy of the New York Times' Richard Fausset, Kaepernick's influence was present on the streets of Charlotte on Thursday:

The Charlotte protests began Tuesday night in response to the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott. While the first two nights produced a great deal of violence, the tone changed late Thursday and early Friday morning, per Phil Helsel of NBCNews.com.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin, who helped organize his teammates locking arms during the national anthem prior to Week 1, spoke to the media about discussions he's had with Kaepernick and other items related to the current violence going on in the country:

While Kaepernick's method of protest has led to differing opinions, many fellow players have joined him by kneeling or raising their fists during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Teammate Eric Reid, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane, Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall and Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins are just a few of Kaepernick's peers who have taken up his cause.

Scott's death suggests there is no end in sight to Kaepernick's protest, and it stands to reason that demonstrators across the nation could embrace the quarterback's kneeling pose as a symbol and rallying cry, much like those in Charlotte.

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