NEW YORK, NY, October 9, 2020 – The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) in partnership with Black Players for Change (BPC) released a joint video today, addressing systemic racism and police brutality by calling for change and civic engagement this November. Written and produced by both organizations, the one-minute video signifies the Players’ collective commitment to keep social justice and racial equality at the forefront of the conversation heading into the upcoming election.

Fifteen members of the NBPA and BPC participated in the video filmed in Orlando, FL while players were competing in their respective season restarts. Featured players include NBPA members Malcolm Brogdon, Jaylen Brown, Andre Iguodala, Jayson Tatum, Austin Rivers and BPC members Sean Johnson, Darlington Nagbe, Warren Creavalle, Daryl Dike, Marlon Hairston, Saad Abdul-Salaam, Khiry Shelton, Sebastian Ibeagha, Mason Toye and Benji Michel.

The video also features unique player-designed shirts supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Tops designed by Philadelphia Union midfielder Warren Creavalle were worn by NBPA members with the phrases, “Silence is Violence”, “Black and Proud” and “Black All the Time”, displayed on the front of the shirts. These same tops were worn during the historic protest before the first game of the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando. Similarly, BPC members wore t-shirts designed by NBPA member Russell Westbrook and his clothing brand, Honor The Gift, in collaboration with NBPA. Those shirts were created to honor victims of police brutality and systemic racism as well as to highlight some of the phrases that players wanted on their jerseys for the season restart but were ultimately not on the approved list of options.

“We stand with our brothers from Black Players for Change as a reminder that we will not forget about the victims of police brutality and racial injustice and we will not stop fighting for change,” said NBPA President Chris Paul. “We urge everyone to fight with us and use their vote to make a difference in this coming election.”

“We are honored to collaborate with our brothers in the NBPA in the struggle for racial equality and human rights,” said BPC Executive Director Justin Morrow. “Our hope is the messaging in the video will resonate with all those standing shoulder to shoulder with us as we do our part to make change.”

The video can be viewed on the NBPA’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages and the BPC’s Instagram and Twitter pages.

MEDIA CONTACT

NBPA - Elle Hagedorn, elle.hagedorn@nbpa.com

BPC - Sirena Williams, Sirena@blackplayersforchange.org

About the NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, or counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.

About the BPC 

Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent organization consisting of over 170+ players, coaches and staff of MLS, working to bridge the racial equality gap that exists in society. BPC is committed to tackling the racial injustices that have limited Black people from having an equitable stake in the game of soccer and society. Among the many goals the organization strives to advance the attention on human right inequalities from protest to programs, partnerships and policies that address systemic racism. To stay up to date please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

###