Edifye is a 501c3 non-profit organization that connects professional athletes & other platformed entertainers to the mutual aid and local issues that they care about. It came about in response to the Kenosha police shooting of our brother, Jacob Blake, which inspired a wildcat strike across the NBA, WNBA and sports world. Jake survived the attack on his life, and we're using sports to bring folks together WITHOUT such unimaginable tragedy. At Edifye, we do two things: find the specific reasons WHY each person is in this fight for equity and reparations, then connect them to the resources to learn, teach & act on it. We want to identify where players can really move the needle, and what their respective cities actually need — symbolic gestures and charitable donations are nice, but we’re focusing on mutual aid and using the levers of power for real change. Those in power want to see pro athletes “SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE.” We’ll work together to tailor their message and turn up the speakers.
EDIFYE’S THREE PILLARS OF PROGRAMMING Brake Light Block Parties (preventing police violence and poverty for the FUTURE) - Goal - to check and change brake lights, free of charge, and reduce the harm of police traffic stops for vulnerable drivers. Engage community members and activate athletes in their metro neighborhoods.
- How - certified technicians service cars roadside. While drivers wait, we distribute free groceries to all families in need. We also host a block party element with a cookout, family fun, voter registration and area-specific civic engagement. This saves lives and promotes neighborly solidarity.
Chicago Undiscovered Showcase (getting kids into college immediately for the PRESENT) - Goal - to create a path to debt-free higher education for high school senior basketball players without a college commitment and youth that fall through the cracks.
- How - rent out a gym, identify and register participants & invite hundreds of NCAA/NAIA coaches and scouts. The kids compete in front of schools with available scholarships, and young men go from an uncertain future to a college degree.
3. Urban Agriculture Program (re-educate and correct for policies from the PAST) - Goal - to sustainably grow our own produce, in areas typically underserved or considered “food deserts,” and offer both career and mentorship opportunities through urban farming.
- How - as stewards to a plot of land in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, while working in conjunction with native community members , we aim to create immerse educational/work opportunities for Chicago’s POC youth. Growth will go to a Team Edifye community fridge, offering free, healthier options to neighbors in need.
OTHER EVENTS
- Winter Warmth Clothing Drive across Chicago supporting mutual aid groups: Pilsen Food Pantry, People Over Profit
- Gifts Beyond The Gates program with Opportunities Peoples Justice Leaders in Cincinnati, Ohio providing holiday gifts, warm meals, video visitations and love for families affected by incarceration & poverty.
- Digital Teach-Ins on Zoom or Instagram Live, pairing athletes with informed leaders in spaces like criminal justice, involuntary servitude, mental wellness and mentorship.
EDIFYE.ORG
@Teamedifye