The Importance of Athletes Economic Empowerment/Growth Among the Black Community

The daily life of a professional athlete is a fascinating topic to talk about. Many people want to play in the NBA or play in the NFL but to do so requires a lot of hard work, determination, and self-discipline. When most people see an athlete such as Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, or Mike Trout, they look at them as people who have their lives figured out. Fans and spectators look at these athletes like people living perfect lives and not experiencing any problems. Athletes are human beings, and they care about topics outside of sports. Most notably, Lebron James, whom most people will recognize as one of the world’s most prominent athletes, has made a phenomenal impact on his community. Lebron has built schools and homes, and recreation centers in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Lebron James, who did not grow up in the most ideal circumstances, rose above and, through hard work, determination, as well as mental toughness, went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. James has empowered millions of people throughout his community and has helped guide them through the right path in life.

One of the biggest things that I think we as black people need to strive towards is building our own companies and businesses. Instead of working for someone else, we can run our own businesses and go into entrepreneurship to inspire other minorities. Russell Okong and Spencer Dinwiddie are two of the most notable athletes who recently were the first athletes to be paid in bitcoin. In the United States, black people are among the lowest groups in economic growth and status. This needs to change, and athletes can play a significant part in effectuating that change. The truth is that athletes have tons of potential to impact a lot of people, in particular, the black community. It starts with education and financial literacy.

We need to be not just socially aware but financially aware as well. The government plays a major role in the destruction of the black community by allowing an abundance of liquor stores and fast-food restaurants in our neighborhoods.  These unhealthy foods and alcoholic beverages cause cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Many black people live in drug-infested, crime-dominated areas in the US. They are not afforded the same opportunities as other non-black people living in well-to-do neighborhoods. As a nation, we need to address social issues that are affecting the black community. We need to donate our funds to organizations and foundations working to combat issues like homelessness and promoting financial literacy across the United States.

 The NBA has probably been one of the most active sports leagues when it comes to promoting economic empowerment in the NBA. The NBA is currently creating a $300 million dollar fund to start a foundation to help create economic empowerment in the black community. Each of the 30 teams in the league will donate $1 million dollars annually to the foundation over the next decade. With the ever-expanding attention to giving people of color in the United States a fair chance at a great job and college education, this fund will be a significant step in the right direction that will serve as a massive benefit for future generations of black men and women. NBA executive director Michele Roberts stated, “Given the resources and incredible platform of the NBA, we have the power to ideate, implement, and support substantive policies that reflect the core principles of equality and justice we embrace.”

HBCUs are becoming an intriguing, popular option for college students to attend, with the positive environment and interactions they will have on the campus with people who look like them. Students will become empowered and will learn tons of information about black culture. In times of racial and social unrest such as these, it is essential for all people of color to feel that they have the right amount of resources to make a big impact on the world. Athletes across the NFL and NBA are investing in foundations and businesses that promote economic empowerment in hopes of building generational wealth for the community at large.  The more athletes can promote economic empowerment, the more diverse and inclusive our communities will be.