Boston Celtics Launch Racial Justice Fund
NEC member the Boston Celtics have announced the distribution of $25 million to address social inequality and racial justice in Greater Boston. The plan, named “Boston Celtics United for Social Justice,” is the team’s most recent project to tackle systemic racism.
The team announced the new plan in conjunction with the Celtics Shamrock Foundation, and the implementation of the funds will be overseen by a board of directors comprised of Celtics investors, past players, and staffers. The project goals are expected to include pro-bono services for minority owned businesses, workforce development for juvenile offenders, early education for low income families, voter registration, and promoting early detection of health conditions that disproportionately effect communities of color.
“We don’t need to pacify the situation with empty gestures,” Celtics player Jaylen Brown said in a statement. “We need to hold ourselves, the Celtics organization, and the city of Boston accountable. Monetary commitment is a great first step, but we need to commit to this process by creating a balance of short and long-term change. The time is now.”
The New England Council commends the Boston Celtics for this powerful step in combatting systemic racism. Read more here.