Minnesota Twins, Vikings donate millions to racial and social justice drives

The Minnesota Vikings and Twins are donating millions to campaigns fighting for social justice and reform.

The Minnesota Twins and Vikings announced substantial contributions Wednesday to racial and social justice campaigns after the tragic death of George Floyd.

The Twins are donating $25 million and the Vikings $5 million after the Floyd lost his life when former police officer Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for 8:46  on May 25 in Minneapolis. Chauvin and three other officers are facing various murder charges.

 

“Black people have experienced oppression and racism for far too long in this country,” Bill Pohlad said in announcing the family’s commitment of an additional $25 million through its foundation to seek racial justice. “We condemn racism in all its forms, and we are firmly committed to this work beyond this seminal moment in our country’s history.”

The Vikings, meanwhile, are donating $5 million to the cause. They also are creating an endowment of $125,000 for the George Floyd Legacy Scholarship.

Per the team’s website:

Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Owner/President Mark Wilf told the team’s Social Justice Committee this week that the contributions from this fund will be determined in part through collaboration with players.

Funds will be directed toward organizations that fight hate, racism and inequality.

“We continue to be inspired by these players as they advocate for transformational change in this very challenging moment,” Mark Wilf said. “We are proud of their efforts to use their platform in an effort to end deep-seated social injustices. Their thoughtful approach and our conversations with them have deeply moved us, certainly in large part because of our family’s history and long-standing commitment to human rights, but also because of their steadfast dedication to not sit idly by when they have the ability to make a difference.”

The Twins are going to listen to the community before making decisions on how their funds will be used.

“Our plan is to listen, learn from, and better understand those people who are directly impacted by racial injustice,” said Joe Pohlad, nephew of Twins’ chairman Jim Pohlad. “It’s their experiences that will inform our efforts. And from there, we’ll partner with the right organizations that can help find solutions.”