In light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ walkout protest earlier in the week, Khris Middleton has joined the leadership of the Social Change Fund.
With attention falling firmly on NBA owners and league officials, and how they can take more concrete actions to address racial inequality, in the wake of the Milwaukee Bucks‘ walkout protest earlier in the week, it could easily go under the radar the ways in which players themselves are beginning to ramp up their own personal efforts too.
One such example of that comes in the form of Bucks All-Star forward Khris Middleton, who announced on Friday that he has joined an organization that was already spearheaded by a trio of notable NBA figures.
In posts shared on his social media accounts, Middleton announced that he had joined the Social Change Fund.
Looking forward to putting our words to action with the socialchangefnd. It takes a village. We need change now! Our village needs us. Let’s do this work together.#ittakesavillage #blacklivesmatter #saytheirnames… https://t.co/rwlGzlZDKi
— Khris Middleton (@Khris22m) August 28, 2020
More than simply pledging his commitment, Middleton has reportedly taken up an executive leadership role in the organization, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.
The Social Change Fund, co-founded by Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul, has four new executive council members: Candace Parker, Donovan Mitchell, CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton. The fund focuses on issues including public safety and criminal justice reform.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) August 28, 2020
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Founded by Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade, the Social Change Fund is an organization dedicated to advocating for reform and investing in communities of color.
The group’s mission statement, as outlined on their official website, details:
"“Our mission is to invest in and support organizations that are working to liberate Black people and advocate for indigenous people and communities of color through the lens of policy solutions, community representation and narrative change. Our partner organizations work to accelerate social change and sustainably build a fair, equitable society.”"
The Social Change Fund’s priorities are further listed as, “ending police brutality, championing criminal justice reform, enabling economic equity, supporting voting and civic engagement, and advocating for the human rights of all Black lives.”
In an image used by Middleton to accompany his announcement on Instagram, the 29-year-old two-time All-Star is quoted as saying:
"“We must vote local. We deserve district attorneys, mayors, governors, judges and senators who believe our lives matter.”"
Of course, charitable deeds and good work within the community are nothing new for Middleton, who donated to Milwaukee Public School District’s COVID-19 Relief Fund back in April. Middleton has also previously been named as a finalist for the NBA Cares Community Assist award, in large part due to his work through his annual 12 Days of Khrismas initiative.
With the Bucks taking such a strong stand as a team this week, it’s great to also see one of their most high profile individuals continuing his commitment good work far beyond the current moment too.