The NFL Is Spending Millions on Social Justice Initiatives
Despite the damage it has done to its image in recent years, the National Football League (NFL), has not slashed its social justice spending initiatives.
In 2020, when Black Lives Matter (BLM) mandates reached national consciousness in the wake of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, the NFL said that it Would spend $250 million Over a period of 10 years, in the service to combatting “systemic racism and support the battle against injustices faced by African Americans.” This happened after Colin Kaepernick (ex-49ers quarterback) initiated the Take a Knee Campaign to protest police brutality during National Anthem.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the work Colin and other players have led off,” A league source stated at the time. “That is a key point here. We listened to our players. We needed to listen more, we needed to move faster. We heard them and launched a social justice platform because of what Colin was protesting about.”
Eli Harold #58, Colin Kaepernick #7, and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem before their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on October 6, 2016, in Santa Clara, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
“The players have always been an essential piece of this effort and this campaign. It would be awesome to engage Colin on some of the work we are doing. He’s doing real impactful work. Getting him in some way would be amazing for us. There’s a lot of work to do to get to that point. We’re certainly open and willing to do that,” Source added
Prior to its 10-year commitment, the NFL launched its Inspire Change program in 2018 and accelerated its proposed spending in the wake of George Floyd’s murder as protests and riots rocked the nation. Just one year after the announcement of the $250m proposal, the NFL announced the Inspire Change program in January 2021. NFL has given more than $95 million In the service of social justice initiatives. NFL.com
Today, the NFL announced that 13 grants were made to non-profit organizations in the United States. Additional funding was also announced to assist with closing the loop. “digital divide” It is part of the social justice initiative. Inspire Change. To date, more than $95,000,000 has been donated by the league and its members to support programs that promote unity and respect in our communities, including economic advancement, education, police, community relations, criminal justice reform, and police and community relations. These efforts are a part of the $255 million ten-year commitment The NFL is committed to social justice.
Inspire Change, which was launched during 2018, showcased the collaboration efforts of players, clubs and the league to create positive changes in communities throughout the country. The 13 new grants, which total almost $4.3 million, were unanimously approved by the Player Owner Social Justice Working Group. They are in addition to the 20 organizations that received funding in the past three years.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons Owner and Chairman and member of the Player-Owner Social Justice Working Group, said that the league will continue to “support the march against social injustice.”
Terrell Owens, an ex-NFL wide receiver, leads a march to support Colin Kaepernick. His knee-taking protests against the police brutality sparked national discussion in Inglewood, on Thursday, July 11. 2020. (Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
“This past year opened the eyes of so many to the inequality suffered by many of our fellow brothers and sisters, neighbors and associates. We will continue to stand with our players as we address underlying issues and bring people together to achieve meaningful, positive change,” Blank.
All causes are not equally political. For example, the NFL attempted to close the NFL. “digital divide” During the coronavirus epidemic, I helped bring technology and the internet to underserved communities in the name of education. The causes that had political motivations inarguably lean left. Fox Business reported Inspire Change went so far as to finance in December 2021. “Defund the Police” initiatives.
“Groups who have received funds as part of “Inspire Change,” the NFL’s social justice initiative, include the Vera Institute of Justice, the Oregon Justice Resource Center and the Community Justice Exchange. All three of those groups support defunding or abolishing the police, a review of their public statements shows,” FBN noted.
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