The San Francisco 49ers will celebrate the NFL's Inspire Change initiative during "Thursday Night Football" this week against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's® Stadium. The game will highlight the team's social justice initiatives and serve as a reminder that sports can be a powerful platform for positive change off the field.
The 49ers commitment to fostering social justice in the Bay Area doesn't stop at gameday activations. Starting in 2020, the team issued an initial $1 million in grants to 10 California-based social justice organizations, and earlier this season, the 49ers announced an extension of their grant program. This year, the team committed $5 million over 10 years with a focus on improving racial equity, with a focus on the Black community, in these three key areas: improving community-police relations, criminal justice reform and education and economic advancement.
Through a variety of community-focused events, grants and sustained partnerships with local nonprofits, the 49ers have proven their dedication to uplifting the community and advancing racial equity. Recipients of the 49ers Social Justice Grant include Kingmakers of Oakland, East Oakland Youth Development Center, Alive & Free, OK Program & Community Education Partnerships and Urban Peace Movement. These nonprofits are at the forefront of youth empowerment, education and community development in the Bay Area.
To kick off both the football and school season earlier this year, the 49ers partnered with Levi's® and Visa to support local teachers in a back-to-school shopping spree at the Westfield Valley Fair mall. Teachers from the African American Female Excellence program and the Urban Ed Academy were treated to new clothes to prepare for the school year. The event was a tangible way to show appreciation for educators who are making a difference in the local community.