There is some good news for the people who want to see a change in the US when it comes to social justice and antiracism movements.  The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) decided to donate $300 million in order to create a foundation, or NGO, that supports social justice and equality.

The purpose of the foundation is to raise awareness about the human rights crisis in the country, and this is quite important not only for sports fans, but also for the rest of the population, as well.  Anybody in the country can become a victim of abuse of any kind or be subject of inequality.  The good thing is that the NBA has a strong influence not only in sports, but in media, and the message they want to convey can have an enormous impact in people’s mind.

NBA Players Step Up To Fight For Social Justice

Courts will show the message Black Lives Matter in the NBA Bubble, but its effort goes beyond that.  Chris Paul, the players union president and Oklahoma City Thunder star, announced the partnership that the NBPA is seeking in order to create a social justice foundation that protects human rights.  NBA players will also decide how the money will be used or where it will go; therefore, this is a shared responsibility between the players and the union that aims at helping social justice among the citizens.

Paul said after a recent game, “NBA and WNBA players will soon speak with Michelle Obama to discuss voting initiatives.  CP3 spoke with excitement of the NBA forming a joint foundation with the players’ union to support economic empowerment in the Black community.” The idea of having political and economic support for the foundation is becoming a reality.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama Could Join In

The NBA wants to reach the former First Lady Michelle Obama to get her support and have a dialogue in regard to initiatives that eventually would bring good results for the foundation.  Undoubtedly, the Black community is one of the most vulnerable and affected all across the country. For centuries, they have been victims of social repression and injustice, and one of the worst-case scenarios is the unprecedented killings of Blacks by police officers.

That is one of the reasons why this foundation wants to grant financial empowerment to the Black citizens, so they have tools and knowledge to become more economically independent and self-sufficient.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the ongoing talks are to yield good results, and that players will also have a say on the social justice foundation’s future and income.  Chances are that this initiative will persuade people to donate funds and persuade others to change their minds if they hold any racist ideas or thoughts against the Black community and any other group that suffers from discrimination.

The idea of having messages on the courts like ‘Black Lives Matter’ can reinforce the battle that this movement has provoked so far in the US.  The foundation is in the process of becoming established and, some details still need to be reviewed.  Players will have direct involvement in many decisions; for instance, how the assigned budget can be spent or in what places it can be used.

Being part of a social justice organization like this one can be a great teaching for NBA players. There is too much that the players can do to contribute not only in terms of logistics and taking decisions, but also setting themselves as exemplary citizens that promote tolerances to our differences.  The NBA is fundamental to the future success of this foundation.