CHARACTER COUNTS

Suns vice chairman pledges $10 million to league foundation

Apr 4, 2021, 7:16 AM

Black Lives Matter is seen on the court prior to the start of the game between Indiana Pacers and P...

Black Lives Matter is seen on the court prior to the start of the game between Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 06, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns continue to give back to the community.

Suns vice chairman Jahm Najafi has pledged a $10 million commitment to the NBA Foundation over the next 10 years, foundation executive director Greg Taylor announced on Wednesday.

“This past year I have been inspired by the NBA family’s efforts to advance social justice, especially through the NB Board of Governor’s long-term commitment in creating the NBA Foundation,” Najafi said in a release.

Najafi’s $1 million contribution per year will further the foundation’s mission to increase economic empowerment for Black communities through employment and career advancement.

“I’ve seen firsthand how economic opportunity can change lives, and I look forward to supporting the Foundation over the next 10 years as they impact the lives of Black youth,” Najafi added.

The Suns vice chairman’s donation will be added to the $10 million the Suns have already pledged to the league’s foundation as part of the $300 million commitment made by all 30 NBA teams.

“The NBA Foundation is grateful for Mr. Najafi’s generous commitment,” Taylor said. “As a proven leader in sports and business and advocate for social justice, we look forward to working together toward our shared goal of creating greater opportunity and outcomes for Black young people.”

Najafi recently teamed up with Colin Kaepernick to create the Mission Advancement Corp., a company committed to creating meaningful financial, social and cultural values.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Character Counts

Manager Torey Lovullo (L) and general manager Mike Hazen of the Arizona Diamondbacks meet before Ga...

David Veenstra

MLB feature showcases inseparable bond between Diamondbacks’ Hazen and Lovullo

MLB published a short-form documentary centered around the friendship between D-backs general manager Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo. 

18 days ago

Devin Booker gifts Purdue men's basketball with Book 1s...

Arizona Sports

Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker gifts pair of Final Four teams Nike Book 1s

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker gifted Alabama and Purdue men's basketball teams with Nike Book 1s ahead of the Final Four.

18 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. looks on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. eyeing ways to extend his foundation’s reach in Arizona

Don't let his age fool you, Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. is no stranger to giving back to the communities around him.

1 month ago

Runners take off after the starting gun at Pat's Run in Tempe. The race, will be run on April 13 th...

Character Counts

The 20th annual Pat’s Run set take place in Tempe on April 13

The 20th iteration of Pat's Run is set to take place in Tempe on April 13 to honor the life and legacy of Pat Tillman.

1 month ago

Follow @AZSports...

Character Counts

Bradley Beal hooked up Devin Booker fans who supported Suns in Denver

Suns fans who showed up to in Devin Booker jerseys at Ball Arena in Denver got a special gift from Bradley Beal afterward.

2 months ago

Aani Nagaiah, front row far right, is the winner among 10 finalists for the 2024 Character Counts s...

Character Counts

Arcadia senior wins 2024 Character Counts Scholarship

Arcadia's Aani Nagaiah on Wednesday night was presented as the winner of the 2024 Character Counts scholarship courtesy of Parker & Sons.

2 months ago

Suns vice chairman pledges $10 million to league foundation