Seattle Seahawks Celebrate NFL's Inspire Change Social Justice Initiative

Team to host annual Inspire Change game on Monday Night Football, December 18 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

Dec 15, 2023 at 03:26 PM

Seahawks.com

RENTON, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks announced today special activities for the team's annual NFL Inspire Change game. Inspire Change is the NFL's social justice initiative dedicated to showcasing the collaborative efforts of clubs across the league to create positive change and foster a more inclusive and equitable culture for all. The Seahawks' official Inspire Change game is Dec. 18 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football, with kickoff at 5:15pm PT. Social Justice efforts are a year-round focus for the Seahawks in a commitment to address inequities and work to tackle systemic racism, remove barriers, and provide greater access and opportunities for all people of color.

During an in-game moment, the team will recognize its 2023 Inspire Change Changemaker Award recipient, Dr. Mia Williams, Chief of the Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA) for Seattle Public Schools. The NFL's Inspire Change Changemaker awards recognize individuals who are making a difference in their communities through social justice work. The Office of AAMA launched in 2019 and focuses on the educational environment system in support of Black boys and teens. Seattle Public Schools is the first district in Washington state, and one of the few across the nation, to create an office that intentionally supports the cultural and academic strengths of African American male students while simultaneously addressing their needs. Dr. Williams will be recognized on the field and will receive a $10,000 grant courtesy of the NFL Foundation. During this program, the Office of AAMA will also recognize students who Dr. Mia Williams has impacted personally through her position.

Additional Inspire Change activities will include:

The Seahawks Players Equality & Justice for All Action Fund will grant $250,000 to six local organizations that are working to create lasting change and build a more compassionate and inclusive society. Since 2017, the players fund has donated over $1.82 million. The 2023 donation recipients include:

Pregame in Ticketmaster Tailgate, fans will enjoy:

Shopping at the Intentionalist Marketplace, featuring products for sale from local minority-owned businesses. Participating businesses include: puffypandy, Noir Lux Candle Co., Le's Deli & Bakery, Esme & Elodie, Indie Rose Arts, and Elementals Healing Boutique.
A special Inspire Change interactive wall art display, where fans can share how they Inspire Change.
Interviews on the mainstage with Seahawks Legends, as well as with the team's 2023 Inspire Change Changemaker and the Community Passageways CEO about their work to create positive change in our community.

Chances to win autographed Inspire Change gear from Players and Legends.

Lift Every Voice and Sing will be performed by Tommie Burton. A Northwest professional vocalist and recording artist, Burton is also a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, and vocalist in the Northwest African American Museum's Cultural Ensemble. The National Anthem will be performed by Seattle-based musician, Ayron Jones. Known for his unique gritty rock style, Jones has previously opened for iconic acts including The Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses, B.B. King, among others. At halftime, fans will enjoy a choreographed performance from the Dolls and Gents Drill Team & Drumline. Dolls and Gents provides King County youth between the ages of 5-18 with a positive outlet for creative community involvement and performance opportunities.

50/50 Raffle sales at the game will continue to benefit the team's Spirit of 12 partners. One lucky fan at the game will receive half of the net proceeds from the raffle while the remainder will be donated to the team's Spirit of 12 non-profit partners. Many of the team's Spirit of 12 Partners support local social justice efforts, including Youth Achievement Center, Farestart, Seattle Pride, Young Women Empowered, and Plymouth Housing.

Throughout December, the Seahawks Pro Shop will donate 12% of sales from Inspire Change hat sales to the Institute for Common Power, a non-profit organization devoted to providing education that fosters, sustains, and expands what should be the most common power in American democracy – the right to vote. The Institute for Common Power will also be recognized on the field pregame.

For more information, visit seahawks.com/socialjustice.

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