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The Philadelphia 76ers have stepped up and joined the NBA in its fight against systematic racism going on in the country at the moment. The Sixers have peacefully protested during the national anthem to begin the restart inside the bubble and now they are taking it to another level.
Josh Harris and David Blitzer, the team’s managing group and owners of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, has pledged to donate a total of $20 million to fighting systemic racism and championing equality, including a $10 million contribution from the 76ers to the NBA’s newly-announced foundation to drive economic empowerment in Black communities.
On top of that, Harris and Blitzer are committing a minimum of $2.5 million to be donated to organizations and efforts that improve resident quality of life and further equitable development in Black communities as well as consistent capital commitments into real estate projects that advance community priorities in Black neighborhoods, such as affordable housing, health centers, commercial corridor improvements, among others through their HBSE Real Estate’s Community Advancement Program. The idea is to help revitalize these neighborhoods where their fans are located.
Harris said via a press release:
As leaders and stewards of community pillars, the eyes of the world are on us to do better, and they should be. While we will never be able to correct the past harm and injustice faced by Black Americans, it’s our duty to provide resources that enable tangible action and greater opportunities for equality. We are committing to a fundamental change in our business strategy by embedding our organization with Black communities and businesses through significant and sustained investment and support. We are deeply committed to fighting for a better, more inclusive future and we pledge to be leaders in doing so.
This isn’t the first time Harris and Blitzer have stepped up in a big way to help the Philadelphia community. They made a huge donation to Philabundance back in March to fight hunger and this is another example of the team helping when the time calls for it. [lawrence-related id=36874,36870,36865]