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Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade are teaming up off of the court to launch the Social Change Fund to offer financial support and resources to organizations focusing on minority communities.
READ MORE: Rockets’ James Harden criticized for wearing Blue Lives Matter apparel
“When all else fails to organize us, conditions will,” Anthony said in a provided statement. “We established the Social Change Fund to invest in and support organizations working to champion criminal justice reform, enact policy solutions, and advocate for the human rights of all Black lives now and for generations to come.
He added: “I stand for everything this Fund and its beneficiaries support and will not stop pushing for progress until we see an end to the systemic racism that the Black community has faced for too long. We will keep on pushing. We will not lose focus.”
All three athletes will provide initial monetary donations for the fund as well as use their platforms as NBA players to raise awareness. Additional seed funding will also come from Beyond Meat, Goldman Sachs, Laureus Sport for Good USA, Reform Alliance, and Creative Artists Agency’s (CAA) Managing Partners and Agency Board.
An official statement says “The Social Change Fund will primarily focus on critical issues including public safety and criminal justice reform, empowering communities of color by expanding access to voting and civic engagement, increasing Black representation in leadership, and building economic equity for Black people through investment in education, employment, wages, and housing.”
Paul shared his excitement for the organization with his brothers in an Instagram post. “Looking forward to building a better, more equal tomorrow. Together,” concluding the message with the dark brown raised fist emoji.
Corporations were eager to support the three athletes due to the athlete’s demonstrated commitment to social justice issues.
“We are honored to join in partnership with Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony in support of the Social Change Fund. Beyond Meat is dedicated to serving broader social goals, using what’s on the center of the plate as a critical starting point,” says Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO of Beyond Meat.
He continues, ““And we are excited to support and work with the Social Change Fund initiative to address racial inequalities in nutrition access and health outcomes in America.”
Before the Social Change Fund, Anthony, Paul, and Wade were advocates for community causes through philanthropy and personal projects. Here is just some of the work they’ve done included in their bios for the joint project:
Three-time NBA champion and thirteen-time NBA All-Star Dwayne Wade, who recently retired after a 16-year career, provide resources to youth in underserved communities through The Wade’s World Foundation. He also uses his platform to help advance racial justice and LGBTQ equality causes.
For over 15 years, The Carmelo Anthony Foundation has built partnerships with national and local organizations to provide programs and events for youth year-round. The ten-time NBA All-Star is also vocal in his support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
READ MORE: Steph Curry shuts down argument that famous Black people don’t experience racism
Ten-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul is committed to advancing Historically Black Colleges and Universities including building a partnership between Harvard Business School and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for eager graduates to launch entertainment, media, and sports careers. The Chris Paul Family Foundation provides resources to enrich various communities.
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