Jaylen Brown isn't sticking to sports. Instead, the Boston Celtics forward is using his platform to vocalize the importance of "coming together" as a society amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In an op-ed published Sunday in The Guardian, Brown summarized the inequalities in America exposed by COVID-19 and explains how the country can make a difference during this difficult time.
Brown writes:
My intention in writing this editorial is to hopefully inspire our society to come together rather than drift farther and farther apart. In the midst of social distancing it is easy to segregate ourselves and our families from the outside world. I challenge you to do the opposite. Donate to your local food banks, homeless shelters and to those less fortunate in general. Allocate resources to healthcare workers, and other extraordinary workers and unsung heroes during this time. Lend a hand to the families and family members of healthcare workers and those who have lost someone, and are in need of economic support. The slightest display of compassion may save someone’s life. I am looking to match these efforts and align with people who are inclined to do something.
Brown also penned a heartfelt message to Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns, whose mother recently passed away due to complications from COVID-19.
My deepest condolences go out to Karl-Anthony Towns, and his family, for the recent loss of his beautiful mother Jackie from Covid-19; the entire NBA mourns with you. I also extend my condolences to anyone with a similar experience or shared communal pain. As we all suffer from being torn apart, from news of heartbreak and anguish, my greatest hope is that during this isolation we become more unified than ever.
You can read Brown's full editorial here.
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This isn't the first time Brown has spoken out about these topics. The 23-year-old issued a similar message via Twitter last month when the coronavirus began to spread in the United States.
Brown went on to say he's “proud to be a member of the Boston Celtics and of the NBA for ceasing to continue the season at this time." There's no word on when the season when will resume, but it's clear the league isn't going to rush back and put its players and staff at risk. There is optimism, however, that they will find a way to safely return to action.