Patriots players give grants to eight local organizations through their 2020 Social Justice Fund Jan 08, 2021 at 10:46 AM Photo by Eric J. Adler
The Patriots organization spent the 2020 season putting an emphasis on education about racial and social injustices. From Monday meetings, featuring guest speakers and open conversations, to following the lead of guys like Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty and Matthew Slater, this season s efforts built on years of advocacy and activism.
Not coincidentally, the Patriots Players Social Justice Fund saw its highest totals since its inception in 2018. The fund is a chance for Patriots players to pool their money to create grants for local, grassroots organizations fighting for equality in all forms.
A statement from Patriots players, coaches and personnel Jan 03, 2021 at 07:06 PM Copied!
As our 2020 season comes to a close on the field today, we – the New England Patriots players, coaches and personnel staff – are proud to share information about our efforts off the field this season to learn from and support the New England community, a community that has given us such incredible support over the years.
Each Monday throughout this season, we held social justice meetings as a team in order to continue important dialogues that began over the summer. We met virtually with leaders of different local organizations and also with system-impacted individuals, all of whom are working in a variety of facets, including police and community relations, criminal justice reform, food insecurity, education and healthcare. We were often joined by ownership, who have been unwavering in their commitment to listening and learning alongside us. Through
Sonja Spears to give online talk on social justice
Community Content
Newton Police Task Force chair Sonja Spears will give an online talk exploring how her own experiences inform her work as a social justice advocate and give her hope in the restorative powers of justice at 7 p.m. Jan. 5.
Spears’ talk is part of the 10th annual Newton Inspires: A Celebration of Ideas and Community, a fundraiser for Newton Schools Foundation. Once a month Newtonians, present and former, share their interests and passions via Zoom.
While a judge in New Orleans, Spears was wrongfully targeted for criminal prosecution. After two years of investigation, no wrongdoing was discovered so she was cleared and never charged, but the impact of this experience was devastating personally and professionally. After retiring from the bench, she rededicated her life to issues of racial justice and equity and now works as the chief equity and inclusion officer at Boston Health Care of the Homeless Program and tea
UPDATED: December 29, 2020 at 3:15 p.m.
The City of Cambridge and local shelters have tailored their services to try to support the cityâs homeless population during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is extending into the frosty months of winter.
The global health crisis has presented new challenges for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Cambridge area, including barriers toward accessing existing services. Many of those individuals must confront two dangerous options: stay in a communal shelter and risk contracting the virus, or live outdoors, at the mercy of a Massachusetts winter.
To deal with those difficulties, local shelter coordinators and city officials alike have tried to adapt and keep up with the pressing needs of Cambridge residents experiencing homelessness.
Copied!
The Patriots may not have been physically out in the community this year, but that didn t stop them from finding new ways to help out local families and organizations. Patriots players, coaches and the Patriots Foundation went above and beyond this holiday season, and with multiple events, it s a lot to keep track of.
However, Patriots.com has you covered. Check out all the ways that the Patriots gave back this month.
DECEMBER TO REMEMBER
Brandon Copeland leverages his network of former teammates to deliver surprises to families across the country. Every year through his Beyond the Basics Foundation, Copeland recruits his former teammates to host shopping sprees in their current NFL cities.