Detroit's NFL team kicks off what it calls a social justice initiative in the city. The community service outreach, Detroit Lions Inspire Change, involves scholarships, social programs and health initiatives.
It's financed by $600,000 from owner Martha Firestone Ford and players. The announcement Monday has no breakdown of who gives how much, though she presumably ponies up the most.
"It's about action," says Devon Kennard, a linebacker.
Eight Detroit nonprofits listed below will benefit this year, with no specifics on how much each gets. Recipients incude an initiative to install water filtration systems in Detroit public schools.
"Funds will be allocated towards programs and organizations as determined by the players," the team says at a new website.
Kennard alludes to on-field kneeling before games as he says in a statement:
"Social justice to us means equality amongst all types of people, no matter your race, religion or what you believe in.
"There has been a lot of talk about awareness, and I think we as NFL players are beyond that now. It's about action and what we are going to do, and this initiative is the start of something impactful. There is no greater place than our own backyard here in Detroit."
Jamal Agnew, a cornerback, met robot-builders last month at the Detroit Lions Academy, a public school that gets new financial support from players and Martha Firestone Ford.
(Photo: Detroit Lions)
These are the 2019 grant recipients:
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
- Detroit Youth Violence Prevention Initiative: The Brotherhood & Sisterhood
- Detroit Lions Academy, a public school at 10101 E. Canfield St.
- Covenant House of Michigan
- Detroit Public Schools Foundation’s Water Hydration Station Project
- Detroit Justice Center
- CATCH Charity for Children
- Mariners Inn
The team owner is quoted as saying:
"Expanding upon our commitment to influencing social justice reform was a primary goal for our organization this season. With the support of our players, who over the years have demonstrated a longstanding devotion to serving this community in which they live and work, we have successfully established the foundation of what we expect to be a multi-year platform in Detroit.
"I am grateful for the players' participation in these important discussions happening right now in our country."
The Lions' move is part of a national initiative announced in December 2017. "Working with the Players Coalition, the NFL formed a joint player-owner committee focused on social justice," the league posts.
-- Alan Stamm
