BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Celtics have pledged to donate millions of dollars, in hopes of addressing what they describe as the nation’s long-term history of systemic racism.
The effort is known as the Boston Celtics United for Social Justice, and it includes players, coaches, staff and leaders in the community.
The group has committed $20 million in cash and $5 million in media assets to support NBA efforts and local programs that target racial injustice in the Greater Boston area.
Their six areas of focus are equity in education, economic opportunity, equity in health care, criminal/law enforcement, breaking down barriers between communities, and civic engagement.
Within those areas, projects could include creating early education centers for low income families, or supporting juvenile offenders with opportunities in the workforce and education.
Celtics Forward Jaylen Brown said the goal is to have a direct impact, and that they need to hold themselves, the Celtics organization and the city of Boston accountable.
“We don’t need to pacify the situation with empty gestures,” Brown said in a statement. “We need to commit to this process by creating a balance of short and long-term change. The time is now.”
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports.
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