Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, has pledged $20 million to help in the fight against systemic racism.
“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,” says HBSE Founder Josh Harris . “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.”
The entertainment empire will distribute $10 million over the next five years to supporting black-owned businesses and predominately black communities. Another $10 million will go toward the newly created NBA Foundation, a non-profit in association with the National Basketball Players Association dedicated to creating greater economic empowerment in black communities.
HBSE has produced two initiatives that include the hiring retention campaign Diversity Procurement Program and black-owned business support campaign Buy Black Partnership Program.
HBSE will refocus its support of Fortune 500 companies that usually benefit from their marketing efforts to black-owned businesses to the tune of $5 million during the 2020-2021 season.
As far as empowering black communities, through its Community Advancement Program, HBSE will contribute no less than $2.5 million. The program will provide resources for home purchasing, employment, youth development, educational opportunities and more.
“We cannot and will not tolerate racism, injustice or hate, and take responsibility to be a part of the solution for the future of our industry, the cities we serve and our country as a whole,” HBSE Co-founder David Blitzer said.
While others may have moved on from the movement for social justice, equity and equality, it is energizing to know that there are people and organizations still trying to make an effort toward a long and arduous goal of helping the black community gain its equal footing in a historically imbalanced system.
