The National Football League (NFL) has pledged $250 million over the next ten years in an effort to fight systemic racism and support African-Americans.
In a statement released on social media, it said that the funds would be used to combat “systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African-Americans.”
Close to 70 per cent of the NFL players are black, and the league said that it would collaborate with the players to support initiatives to “address criminal justice reform, police reforms, and economic and education advancement.”
Apart from the financial aid, the NFL pledged to use its media networks to raise awareness about and to promote education of social justice issues to its fans.
#InspireChange pic.twitter.com/5knqHCExSp
— NFL (@NFL) June 11, 2020
Earlier last week, the Commissioner of NFL, Roger Goodell admitted that the league should have listening to its players about the concerns that they raised to support black players and condemn racism.
“We the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people,” Goodell said. “We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,” he added.
Owners of several NFL teams also lent their support to the initiatives of the league.
‘‘As someone who has personally lived through episodes of racism and injustice, and can unfortunately relate to what the majority of NFL players encounter on a daily basis, I can say with complete conviction that we now have a real effort at the NFL to bring real and overdue change,’’ Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a written statement released by the league.
Meanwhile, Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said, ‘‘I want to add my voice and the voice of our organisation to the calls for equality and reiterate our firm stance against all forms of racism.’’
It is heartening to see all clubs come together in solidarity with the cause of anti-racism. What are our views? Do let us know in the comments section below.
