The novel coronavirus has halted American life as we knew it to be and has placed an acute spotlight on the inequalities in society. The National Football League partnered with the Players Coalition to provide emergency relief funding to significantly impacted communities of color in the following states and cities: Florida, Louisiana, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. The financial commitment of over $3 million will go to health systems, hospitals, and non-profits in these areas.
“We know that during this difficult time, our minority and low-income communities are struggling disproportionately with the impact of COVID-19,” said Players Coalition co-founder and Working Group member Anquan Boldin. “Communities in Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, and more are getting hit hard right now, and we want to do our part in ensuring these areas have even the basic needs. We are glad we can partner with the NFL to support the organizations that are on the ground providing for these families.”
Atlanta organizations to receive funding are Grady Hospital, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, the Atlanta Community Foodbank, the Giving Kitchen, and Love Beyond Walls.
“This is a difficult time for our nation, and it is important for us to continue to find ways to support those that need it most,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We have an opportunity to direct financial resources to the hardest-hit populations. This pandemic is having a tragic effect on communities of color and through Inspire Change and our relationship with the Players Coalition, we are pleased to be able to help where we can.”
More than $50 million has been donated to date in support of COVID-19 relief by the NFL, including the NFL’s Inspire Change social justice contribution. Inspire Change supports NFL players, clubs, and non-profit grant partners in their efforts to reduce barriers to opportunity with a focus on education and economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
“It’s especially critical to provide extra support for our minority communities who don’t always have access to the basic necessities,” said Players Coalition Task Force member and Working Group member Kelvin Beachum. “We are thankful we can give to the hospitals and organizations in COVID-19 hot spots that are supporting our minority communities and fighting to save lives during this pandemic.”
