“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Wednesday night introduced a new line of products that will be sold to benefit organizations working to support protesters demonstrating nationwide over racial inequality and police brutality.
All proceeds from the “Be Your Own President” merch will go to support National Bail Out, the NAACP, National Urban League and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Colbert said.
The late-night host said the four organizations “are doing vital work to help peaceful protesters address the inherent racism in our society.”
The merchandise roll-out follows Colbert’s call last week for the public to be their own president and “set an example of the kind of country you want to live in,” following his criticism of President Trump’s response to protests across the country against police brutality and racial inequality.
“Of course, a big part of being a leader is directing resources to the people who most need it. But another big part is having cool stuff with your presidential logo on it. So we’ve decided to help with both,” Colbert said Wednesday.
The line of products with a “Be Your Own President” seal includes a T-shirt, a mug, a face mask and a pint glass, all of them available on CBS’s online store.
Nationwide protests have emerged following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial Day. Floyd died after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes minutes as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe. Four officers have been fired and charged, but demonstrations continue calling for police and social justice reforms.