The Boston Celtics announced a $25-million commitment over the next 10 years to fight racial injustice and address social issues impacting the Black community in the Boston Metropolitan Area.
As part of the organization's plan, players will help comprise six different committees to address specific issues. Topics include criminal justice and law enforcement, economic opportunity and empowerment, and equity in health care.
"When we acquired the team, we laid out a three-point plan to win a championship, and really build a community asset, to really use the Celtics brand to help the community," Celtics managing partner Steve Pagliuca told The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn. "As soon as we saw the George Floyd situation, we got together with (majority governor) Wyc Grousbeck and (team president) Rich Gotham and (vice president of community engagement) Dave Hoffman with the idea that this is unacceptable."
The Celtics - who have already worked to promote voter registration ahead of the upcoming federal election - are the first NBA team to outline a specific plan to fight racial injustice. This follows a separate $300-million pledge made collectively by the league's 30 owners last month to support economic growth in Black communities.
"We want to make sure that we are rising to the collective challenge that’s out there for people," Hoffman said. "It doesn’t matter, our heritage, but it hasn’t been enough and we have to accept that baton and do everything in our power to address this stuff."