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By Pat Evans
Roughly a week after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell publicly condemned social injustice and police brutality, the NFL is making a $250 million pledge. The funds will be spread out over the next 10 years to “combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African-Americans.”
The commitment stems from a deal the league agreed to with the Players Coalition, a group of more than 1,400 athletes pushing for systemic change. In more than two seasons working with the Players Coalition, the NFL has already donated $44 million to social justice causes. The NFL will also work with its players to support more programs to address criminal justice reform, police reform, and economic and educational advancement of underprivileged communities.
LeBron’s Voting Assist
LeBron James, along with athletes like Trae Young and Skylar Diggins-Smith as well as entertainers like Kevin Hart, have started More Than a Vote. The organization aims to protect the voting rights of African Americans. “We’re going to give you the background of how to vote and what they’re trying to do, the other side, to stop you from voting,” James told the New York Times. More Than a Vote will be a non-profit and won’t engage in advocacy for specific candidates.
Despite being told to “shut up and dribble” by Fox News personality Laura Ingraham, James has dedicated much of his off-the-court career to social efforts. Along with this new group, James has been heavily involved in his native Ohio, underwriting tuition for University of Akron students and opening his own elementary school, among other endeavors. “There’s a lot of people that want change in the black community,” James said. “If you actually don’t put in the work or if you don’t have the mindset, there’s never going to be change.”
