Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced today an initial $600,000 commitment from players and Owner and Chairman Martha Firestone Ford toward the launch of Detroit Lions Inspire Change, a new social justice initiative in the City of Detroit.
Funds generated for the team’s social justice initiative will focus on three community pillars as determined by the players – Scholarship Funding, Social-Educational Programs and Medical Aid/Health Assistance.
Proud of the efforts my teammates and I as well as Mrs. Ford and @Lions organization have made towards social injustice this year! Go to lions home page to see full video and article on the money we’ve raised and how we plan to allocate it! pic.twitter.com/gBKKnACABT
— DK (@DevonKennard)
January 14, 2019 STATEMENT FROM LIONS OWNER AND CHAIRMAN MARTHA FIRESTONE FORD“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.”
STATEMENT FROM LIONS LB DEVON KENNARD“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.”
STATEMENT FROM LIONS HEAD COACH MATT PATRICIA“I am extremely proud of our players for their hard work and collaboration all season in bringing this initiative together. Our locker room is a microcosm of society and the powerful platform with which we are gifted brings a responsibility to make a difference in our communities. Through this initiative, our team has an opportunity to truly make a difference in the City of Detroit.”
Below is the list of recipients that will receive contributions from the Detroit Lions Inspire Change initial commitment in 2019. The initiative will continue to evolve in 2020 and beyond.
