The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) recently announced a $304,400 donation to support Liberty Hill’s California Funders for Boys and Men of Color: Our Kids, Our Future Fund (CFBMoC). Included in that was Clayton and Ellen Kershaw matching the award, along with proceeds from the Dodgers’ Opening Day Black Lives Matter auction and sale of limited t-shirts.
“Ellen and I are proud to partner on the ‘In This Together’ campaign. Along with my teammates, I remain committed to continuing to amplify the voices of Black leaders and organizations fighting for change,” Kershaw said in a statement.
“Change starts with tough conversations, and we as a team want to continue to listen, learn and take action to help build a more equitable society.”
LADF Gives, the Dodgers Foundation’s grantmaking program, is going to award the funds to CFBMoC to support 13 Southern California community partners working with the County of Los Angeles to develop the most comprehensive approach to youth development in the nation.
“This work is critical in helping Los Angeles County become the nation’s leader in youth development,” Liberty Hill President and CEO Shane Murphy Goldsmith said.
“This investment is a huge boost to the on-the-ground social justice organizations we support, and it will ensure youth in Los Angeles have the resources and programs they need to thrive. We are so grateful for the support of the Dodgers Foundation.”
The LADF and Dodgers players will continue their “In This Together” commitment with #AmplifyingVoices and future listening sessions. To further this cause, players will participate with community leaders of grassroots social justice organizations to learn more about their work and impact.
Organizations will focus on the strengths of Black, Brown and Native American families and communities so that youth of color thrive and establish a strong foundation for life and grow into healthy adults.
“Historic injustices threaten youth, families, and communities making it difficult for them to succeed,” LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman said. “This grant is crucial as we invest in people and organizations on the front lines advocating for Black and Brown communities, who often lack resources and support.”
LADF groundbreaking ceremony
Although the Los Angeles Dodgers were unable to host the 2020 MLB All-Star Game due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the LADF recently moved forward with a project that coincided with the Midsummer Classic coming to Dodger Stadium.
They carried out a virtual groundbreaking ceremony at William Mead Homes in Chinatown to remain compliant with regulations.
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