'Kneel-in' protest planned for Panthers Thursday night game at Bank of America Stadium

CHARLOTTE, NC (FOX 46 WJZY) - They are calling the planned protest a kneel-in and it will be taking place on Mint and Graham right before the game with the goal to protest social and economic issues of people of color in Charlotte.

The national anthem protest that's polarized the NFL this season on the field, is now making its way out of the stadium.

“We are having a kneel-in protest to aggressive policing, police brutality, social and racial injustice here and abroad,” Bishop Kevin Long said, Senior Pastor at Temple Church International.

The idea came from several local pastors and community activists following President's Trumps tweets criticizing the players and league about protesting during the anthem.

“We want to kneel because they can’t, and secondly we really want to engage the Carolina Panthers and CMPD in dialogue so we can come together and find solution in addressing racial injustices," Long said. 

Bishop Long said the kneel-in will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday with a press conference outside the stadium and conclude after the playing of anthem inside Bank of America stadium.

From the feedback he's received so far he believes Thursday’s protest will be positive.

“We hope for the best and expect the best, and we believe in the good of mankind so we hope things go in a good direction,” Long explained.