Jrue Holiday Donates Remainder of 2020 NBA Salary to Small Black Businesses & Nonprofits
Jrue Holiday During Gametime With the Pelicans - Rocky Widner/ NBAE via Getty Images
By: Tialena Evans
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday and his wife Lauren shared inspiring news Saturday on their efforts in assisting those struggling with the resurging COVID-19 pandemic across the nation.
The Holidays announced on Instagram their pledge to donate the remainder of their 2020 NBA salary to help small black-owned businesses, nonprofits and initiatives. Jrue shares their decision to focus on the needs of the African-American community and how they feel they can make a lasting impact at a time they need it most.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened racial injustice is in 2020, many of us have been looking for answers. Lauren and I found ourselves searching for ways to help our community at a time when they need it most,” he wrote. “Pledging the remainder of our 2020 NBA salary to small black owned businesses, nonprofits and initiatives is how we felt we could make a lasting impact.”
“It’s encouraging to know that in a time when we could all use a helping hand, we are still searching for ways to help one another. Know that you are not alone in your search for answers,” Jrue continued.
This generous contribution isn’t the first time Jrue has been spotted paying it forward. The NBA veteran made the tough decision back in July to depart from his pregnant wife to play in the NBA bubble. This decision allowed him to be able to donate the remainder of his salary for the season, about $5 million, to businesses, nonprofits and higher learning institutions that serve the Black community.
“There needed to be a reason why I felt it was worth leaving my family and my pregnant wife to go into the bubble,” Jrue said. “I think they gave me a great reason to go back and play, to feel like I’m doing something for my people in this culture. Donating the rest of my contract was kind of the ultimate decision for a while I was going.”
The 11th year guard is on a five-year, $131.8 million contract, which he’s already earned a little over $26 million for the 2019-20 season. While in Milwaukee, he’s set to make another 25.3 million this year.
As of now, it has not been announced how much money the Holiday’s will be donating this time around or where donations will be distributed to.
Hopefully Jrue and his wife Lauren's efforts to help their communities can be a blueprint and a call to action for others who have the means.
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