Orlando, Florida—Since the unspeakable murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor adding to the countless Black lives lost under the immoral hands of evildoers and police brutality over the years, the entire world has felt a diverse multitude of sentiment. Regrettably, it has only escalated with Ahmad Arbery, Elijah McClain, Vanessa Guillen, Rayshard Brooks, and grievously others unmentioned.
With pandemic circumstances still active, many in the sports and entertainment industries have banded together in solidarity for the purpose of Black Lives Matter from the NBA, NHL, WNBA, MLB, NFL to artists in music, cinema, and television rallying as well as utilizing their platforms and statuses in this fight and all the numerous issues brewing in our society.
Seeking ways to help create change, various A-listers have chosen to make sizable contributions of economic support towards empowering our communities in efforts to gain justice. Mackenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, donated $1.7 billion to 119 non-profit organizations dedicated to racial equality, marginalized groups, and economic mobility.
Former NBA legend Michael Jordan and his Nike Jordan brand pledged $100 million over a ten-year span to help navigate real impact against racial quality, social justice, and greater access to education in Black communities. NBA stars and philanthropists Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwayne Wade formed the “Social Change Fund” geared to address issues directly affecting public safety and criminal justice reform.
The NBA recently launched a foundation to invest $300 million towards economic empowerment. Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby and his wife Brandi donated $5k to the BLM DC and Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Korean boy band BTS donated $1 million to the cause creating the hashtag #MatchAMillion challenging fans and other celebrities raising an additional $1.3 million.
Singers Lady Gaga, The Weekend, and actors Anna Kendrick, Marvel’s Captain America Chris Evans, and wrestler/actor John Cena all have made monetary contributions while actor/producers Michael B. Jordan, Sophia Bush, actresses Niecy Nash, Sherrie Shepherd, JLo, A-Rod, Nick Cannon, Chrisy Teigen, actor Steve Carell, and various other celebrities have participated in protests and donated to bail out protesters.
Within the recent restart of the sports industry, you now see the NBA, WNBA, MLB, and NFL leagues displaying BLM logos on the court, kneeling with black streamers, interlocking arms, and wearing gear acknowledging the current climate in unison. To let the world know that we are on one accord aiming at liberty and justice for all people of color.
