The Seahawks are going silent on social media today in support of Blackout Tuesday, an act of solidarity with those who are fighting against the type of systemic racism that led to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week. But as sociologist and civil rights activist Dr. Harry Edwards told the Seahawks when he met with players in 2016, gestures mean nothing without follow-through.
In that spirit, players in 2017 launched the Seahawks Players Equality & Justice For All Fund, which so far has given awarded more than $547,000 in grants to 24 organizations focused on education, equality and justice, criminal justice and bail reform, homelessness and other causes, and which on Monday announced plans to donate another $500,000. And today the Seahawks encourage people to show support for the black community not only through social media posts, but also by supporting organizations fighting for a more equitable society:
ACLU of Washington: Works to ensure that justice, freedom and equality are realities for all people in Washington state, with particular attention to the rights of people and groups who have historically been disenfranchised
NAACP: Secures the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons
Black Lives Matter: Builds local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities
The Seahawks Players Equality & Justice For All Action Fund: Supports education and leadership programs addressing equality and justice
Campaign Zero: Supports the analysis of policing practices across the country, offers technical assistance to organizers leading police accountability campaigns and the development of model legislation and advocacy
Color of Change: Moves decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America
