The Miami Heat announce that they will be making financial contributions and other commitments to organizations that are trying to eliminate racial inequality.

Among the Heat initiatives in a pledge this morning:
- New investments in educational programs that serve the black community
- Provide more scholarships for black students who want to attend college.
- Election Day will be a paid company holiday, to aid get-out-the-vote efforts.

“Let us be perfectly clear,” Heat managing general partner Micky Arison said in a newly released video featuring Pat Riley, Alonzo Mourning, Erik Spoelstra, Shane Battier and others. “This is just the beginning. Our commitment is never-ending.”

Here is the Heat video transcript:

Alonzo Mourning, Heat legend and vice president: “Our country is at a crossroads in the battle against systemic racism.”
Micky Arison, managing general partner: “And we want to assure you the Miami Heat will not sit on the sidelines.” (More)

Erik Spoelstra, head coach: “We will not stand for hate, racism or police brutality.”
Nicole Harris, finance: “There have been too many instances of abuse and excessive violence against our black community.” (More)

Pat Riley, president: “We also know we can't just talk about change. We must embody change.”
Eric Woolworth, president, business operations: “This is our pledge to Heat Nation.” (More)

Raquel Libman, executive vice president and chief legal officer: “We pledge to make financial contributions to organizations working to rid the world of racial inequality.” (More)

Shane Battier, Heat legend and vice president: “We pledge to support education initiatives that serve the black community and invest in scholarships to help more black students attend college.” (More)

Sonia Harty, vice president of Human Resources: “We pledge to enhance our company mentoring and internship programs to provide opportunities for black students to gain experience and advance their careers.” (More)

Andy Elisburg, senior vice president and general manager: “We pledge to support voter registration initiatives to ensure our neighbors can freely exercise their constitutional right.” (More)

Cedric Brown, director of digital programs: “Change begins at the ballot box, so Election Day will now be a company day of civic engagement with all the staff receiving paid time off to get out the vote.” (More)

Basit Hasan, sales: “We pledge to observe Juneteenth as a company holiday and encourage our staff to learn, educate, reflect and have conversations about systemic racism.”
Lorrie-Ann Diaz, vice president: “We pledge to partner with Black-owned businesses in our community.” (More)

Nick Arison, CEO: “We pledge to use our platform and resources to promote equality and social justice.”

Micky Arison: “Let us be perfectly clear. This is just the beginning. Our commitment is never-ending.”

All those voices: “Black lives matter.”

(End thread)