Matt Ryan starts GoFundMe for Atlanta's black community, donates $500K

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan launched a GoFundMe campaign to help improve the lives of the black community in Atlanta.

Ryan announced Friday in an Instagram post that he's donating $500,000 to kick-start his fundraiser, "Advancing The Lives (ATL) Of The Black Community." The goal is to raise $2 million, and Ryan said he'll be consulting with black business leaders, sports figures, activists, and local grassroots organizations on the most effective use for the donations.

"I see my city hurting, which is why I'm starting a fundraiser to help improve the community for people of color in the city of Atlanta," Ryan wrote. "I'm kicking it off with a $500K donation and am asking you to consider donating as well. Whether big or small, you will be joining me in making a difference."

As of Saturday morning, the GoFundMe has raised over $597,000.

Ryan released a statement last week saying he's "committed to doing what I can" - including "listening and learning with all humility and compassion" - following the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.