Los Angeles Pro Teams Form The A11iance: A United Voice To Tackle Social Issues
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 09:42PM NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service
July 14, 2020: In a movement of solidarity to address political and social issues, the 11 pro teams in Los Angeles have united to form The A11iance: Los Angeles, described as “a collaboration to pursue change in communities of color and develop meaningful programs."
The pro teams include the Anaheim Ducks (NHL), Los Angeles Angels MLB), Los Angeles Chargers (NFL), LA Clippers, (NBA) Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Football Club MLS), LA Galaxy (MLS), LA Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Rams (NFL) and Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA).
The A11iance said it is undertaking a “comprehensive five-year commitment to drive investment and impact for social justice through sport.”
The 11 teams said they would “advocate for social justice, address disparities and take actions to help end racial inequality . . . The A11iance was formed in addition to the robust efforts of the teams’ community affairs departments and foundations, which will continue their charitable activities across the region.”
The initiative includes supporting the Play Equity Fund’s social justice movement in communities across greater Los Angeles; and in Orange County amplifying the work of Accelerate Change Together Anaheim.
The Play Equity Fund was established in Los Angeles to drive social change across communities through sport.
The Accelerate Change Together was formed in 2013 by the Ducks, Angels and Disneyland Resort to address the urgent needs of Anaheim’s at-risk youth and families.
The official A11iance: Los Angeles logo has an 11 in it. Each team has a logo reflecting the respective franchise colors.
“These innovative cooperative response models of engagement are aimed to inspire similar actions nationally,” a spokesperson said via The A11iance.
As one of its first public platforms, The A11iance: Los Angeles and the Play Equity Fund will host “Sports for Social Justice Symposium,” scheduled for July 22, during National Youth Sports Week (July 20-24).
The webinar will include leaders from the sports organizations, as well as social justice leaders and sports commentators.
“The A11iance: Los Angeles has been forged specifically to create positive change in underserved communities, with an emphasis on Black communities,” said an organization spokesperson.
“All 11 teams are united in their dedication to this effort and recognize driving change is a long-term commitment. Through sports and social programming, we aim to work in communities to affect structural changes on levels that have a lasting impact.”
According to The A11iance, “The term social justice can be broadly defined as the degree of fairness or justice in the opportunities and access to resources, wealth, political representation, and privileges within a given society.
“In neighborhoods with high poverty rates, opportunities to play — a globally recognized fundamental human right of childhood — oftentimes do not exist, particularly for kids of color.”
The A11iance said that barriers include the elimination or reduction of enrichment of programs, budget challenges for afterschool programs including sports, safe passage to playgrounds, transportation, lack of trained and well-paid coaches and the rising costs of athletics and intramural programs.
“These factors severely limit access and opportunities for kids of color to build a pathway to lifelong wellbeing. The pro teams of The A11iance: Los Angeles are united in their determination to combat this injustice.”
“The A11iance: Los Angeles is an unprecedented collaboration by sports organizations recognizing the impact they can have by working together, and they should be commended for seeking to make significant changes in communities of color,” Renata Simril, president of the Play Equity Fund, said via the organization.
“The Los Angeles region is one of the world’s most competitive markets, and sports is one of the world’s most competitive industries. But these organizations are putting their competitive instincts aside to work collaboratively for social justice.”
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