Edifye

Overview

Edifye is a Black-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States. It was established in response to the Kenosha police shooting of Jacob Blake in 2020, which sparked widespread protests and labor stoppages across professional sports leagues, including the NBA and WNBA. Edifye's mission is to connect professional athletes and entertainers with local issues and mutual aid projects, focusing on creating real change through strategic involvement and resource allocation.

Objectives

Edifye operates by identifying specific reasons why each athlete is involved in the fight for equity and reparations. The organization then connects these individuals with the necessary resources to take action, moving beyond symbolic gestures and charitable donations. The goal is to empower athletes to use their influence and platform to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Background

The formation of Edifye was inspired by the racial solidarity demonstrated during the 2020 NBA and WNBA work stoppage, following the shooting of Jacob Blake. This event highlighted the potential for collective action by professional athletes to address societal issues. Edifye builds on this momentum by facilitating targeted interventions that align with the personal passions and concerns of athletes.

Leadership

M. Pauly Jackson serves as the President and Executive Director of Edifye. He is a community leader who has spoken on various panels, including those at Northwestern University and the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity. Pauly Jackson played a significant role in managing media during the #JusticeForJacobBlake movement and continues to advocate for reparative justice.

Activities

Edifye's core activities involve connecting athletes with local issues and providing them with resources to act on these concerns. This approach emphasizes mutual aid and strategic engagement to create lasting impacts in communities. By amplifying the voices of athletes and supporting them in their efforts to drive change, Edifye seeks to transform how athletes engage with social justice issues.

Board and Advisors

Edifye's advisory board includes Jacob S. Blake, who is directly affected by police brutality, and other figures such as Daniel Poneman, Randy Paschal, Esq., and Jamilia Land-Brown, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise. Tamera Jacobs contributes as a grant writer with a background in financial management.