New England Patriots owner pledges $1M to social justice causes

The New England Patriots announced Friday that team owner Robert Kraft’s family would pledge $1 million to social justice causes.

According to a statement and video released on the Patriots’ webpage, the Kraft family will donate $100,000 over the next 10 months to local grassroots organizations in support of “fighting for equity, working to end systemic racism and creating meaningful change,” according to a video announcement. 

Recipients of the monthly donations will be “chosen in collaboration” with players on the team.

“Change always begins with listening and learning,” the video says, adding that selected organizations will be invited to speak to executive staff and senior management in the Kraft Group businesses to enhance “knowledge and awareness” of those in leadership positions.

Previously, the Kraft family released a statement Tuesday in response to the death of George Floyd and “racial injustice in our country,” promising to “not rest on statements, because words without actions are void.”

Floyd was a 46-year-old Minneapolis man who died in police custody last week after former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.

Kraft is also a long-time friend of President Trump, who has received much criticism from Democrats following his recent comments on Floyd.

On Friday, Trump said during an address in the Rose Garden about Floyd: “Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying this is a great thing that’s happening for our country,” in regards to a report that showed unemployment falling, except for African Americans.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) told Trump on Twitter to “Keep George Floyd’s name out of your mouth until you can say Black Lives Matter,” in response to the president’s remarks Friday.