Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti continues to use his wealth for the good of the city. After donating more than $1 million in total to help people during the coronavirus pandemic, the Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation is joining the Ravens to donate money towards social justice reform. The foundation will use a committee of former and current Ravens players to help decide which Baltimore-area programs will receive funds.
The move comes after protests have started up around the country following the death of George Floyd. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti released a statement to go along with the announcement of the donations.
There is nothing I can say to ease the pain felt by African-American communities across our country. No words will repair the damage that has been done.
Like many people, I am sickened, disheartened and shaken by the acts of racism that continue to overwhelm our society. The most recent killing, involving George Floyd, is yet another tragic example of the discrimination that African-Americans face each day.
Now, more than ever, we must all strengthen our pursuit of positive change, as we stand with peaceful protestors around the country. We must all seek to understand by listening better and learning more. We must all discover new ways to unite. We must all work to break the cycle of systematic racial injustice.
Our players have been – and will continue to be – at the forefront of this change. We believe in their commitment to furthering social justice and invoking meaningful change. We stand side by side with them, in full support. It is for this reason that I have asked a group of former and current Ravens players to decide which organizations should receive proceeds from the $1 million donation we are making today.