The NFL and rapper Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation have collaborated to create the “Inspire Change Organization” to help with issues affecting the black community including criminal justice reform — however its recent announcement is not well-received.
What We Know:
- In a press release on Friday, the organization announced that “the NFL and Roc Nation announced the launch of Inspire Change apparel and Songs of the Season as part of their new partnership…”, promising not only apparel but collaboration with other music artists.
- The first “Inspire Change” advocates will be Meek Mill, Rapsody, and Meghan Trainor. These songs and apparel will be used to “fund and support Inspire Change programs across the country.” It was reported by Complex that the organization will be hosting the two organization BBF Family Services and Crushers Club at a kickoff event on Sept. 5, which aims to help at-risk youth in Chicago.
- While these groups do great work and the money that will be raised will definitely help the community, like Vice stated, “no one should take this as a sign that the NFL suddenly cares about “education and economic empowerment, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform,” which are the stated “key priorities of Inspire Change.”
- This is being seen by numerous people as just another branding move for the NFL, who did not even involve one of the biggest social justice advocates in football — Colin Kaepernick. After being blackballed out of the NFL and then settling the obvious injustice in court earlier this year, the league has essentially tossed him to the side.
- The buzz building over “Inspire Change” is more negative than positive right now.
Hopefully, Kaepernick can be involved in some way.
