[Baltimore Ravens\Social Justice Reform]
Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti: “We have a powerful platform – and a responsibility – to help eliminate injustices that are prevalent in our communities. For far too long, people of color have been underserved by a system that should protect, rather than harm.:
Photo: Twitter
The Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation and the Baltimore Ravens have jointly distributed $1 million to support social justice reform throughout the Baltimore community.
A committee of current and former Ravens players determined which Baltimore-area organizations would receive the funds, with 28 total programs ultimately chosen.
The player committee included current Ravens LS Morgan Cox, CB Marlon Humphrey, OLB Matthew Judon, T Ronnie Stanley and K Justin Tucker, in addition to former Ravens WR Torrey Smith. The group met on multiple occasions to identify organizations that continuously strive to make positive impacts throughout the Baltimore area.
Statement from Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti:
“We have a powerful platform – and a responsibility – to help eliminate injustices that are prevalent in our communities. For far too long, people of color have been underserved by a system that should protect, rather than harm.
“Our entire organization, including players past and present, is fully committed to creating social justice reform. We will continue to seek out opportunities that support, encourage and defend those who are most in need.”
Statement from Former Ravens WR Torrey Smith:
“When you talk about social justice, there are many different issues – from education, to criminal justice reform, to health. There are so many avenues the players could have chosen, so they really spread it out among a lot of different grassroots organizations. This is just the beginning of trying to figure out as many ways to collaborate with the people in the city who are doing great things to help change Baltimore for the better.
“I’m excited to be back in Baltimore and have the opportunity to help the Ravens continue to impact the community. Even as a player, I remember the team being actively involved. And now, with the things that have been happening and brought to light over the years, I’ve seen their efforts and intentions ramp up even more.”
Statement from Current Ravens T Ronnie Stanley:
“I’m passionate about this, knowing the position I’m in and how blessed I am to be in a position to help people. I’m not going to forget about the people who are dealing with things that aren’t fair. We have an opportunity to help make the world a better place, and I want to take advantage of that.
“There are so many places in society that racism has affected. It really starts with people’s mentalities and how they’ve been raised and taught. The biggest thing for me is educating people about their own misconceptions and stereotypes, helping them understand the root behind these stereotypes and why the Black community is where it is today. It has everything to do with American history.”
From BaltimoreRavens.com
