Kyrie Irving pays homage to Tamir Rice’s memory with a $50,000 donation that will be a fundraising event for his 23rd birthday.
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Kyrie Irving quietly made a powerful statement after donating $50,000 to the Tamir Rice Foundation on Tuesday (June 25), marking Tamir’s 23rd birthday and becoming the biggest donor to the campaign he started in his memory.
The fundraising campaign organized by Tamir’s mother, Samaria Rice, aims to raise $110,000 to support the Tamir Rice Youth Center and help buy a building in Cleveland, dedicated to serving youth in the city through arts and culture programs.
Supporters are encouraged to donate $23 to reflect the age Tamir will become this year.
“I miss my son very much every day,” Samaria Rice said in a statement on the campaign page. “When our family approached Tamir’s 23rd birthday. I asked for 23 years without him. I bought a building in Cleveland to give back to our youth in the inner city for arts and cultural development.”
She added: “I have invested in this beautiful historic building with everyone’s support. The help of all has given Tamir’s legacy and we will always appreciate it. I will not let my community or anyone who believes in the vision. Trust me and you will see the results.”
Bernice King pays tribute to Tamir Rice
Irving has not issued a public statement about the donation, but he did post a message Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King.
“My heart pays tribute to the family of #Tamirris,” King wrote. “Especially to his mother, Samariya Rice, today, Tamir’s birthday. He should celebrate 23. He is not a serious injustice. I can’t imagine how devastating Ms. Rice was to Ms. Rice…I’m sorry.”
The NBA star has long used his platform to support reasons related to racial justice, Indigenous rights, and community empowerment.
Over the years, he has contributed millions to various initiatives including food banks, student debt relief, clean water and WNBA players support.
Tamir Rice was 12 years old when he was fatally shot by Cleveland police while holding a toy gun in a park in 2014. His death became a symbol of the state in a conversation surrounding police violence and racial injustice.
