Brown's OaklandXchange helps boost black-owned businesses in Oakland.

NBA star Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics recently unveiled a new program to support Black-owned businesses in the Oakland, California community. Taking inspiration from a similar initiative he launched in Boston called BostonXChange, Brown teamed up with the JLH Fund to create OaklandXChange, providing opportunities for Black entrepreneurs on the West Coast.

Brown made the exciting announcement during the NBA All-Star Weekend at a Hall of Fame Luncheon in San Francisco. He expressed his enthusiasm for bringing this program to the Bay Area, expanding the chances for Black-owned businesses to thrive, just as they have in Boston.

In his speech at the community luncheon, Brown stated, "I'm very excited to announce that we are shedding light on what's going on in Oakland. We don't want things to be forgotten about, and I'm using my platform to continue to bring awareness and attention to Oakland because we know what happens when it's forgotten about."

Partnering with the JLH Fund, Brown's Xchange fund will provide underrepresented creators in Oakland with $100,000 in grant funding, along with access to workspaces and business services valued at over $150,000. Additionally, participants in OaklandXChange will receive three years of coaching and support in launching projects in various fields, such as design, arts, media, entertainment, fashion, and culinary arts. This initiative aims to empower visionaries and help their businesses thrive, ultimately creating sustainable economic growth in Black communities.

Brown's collaboration with former NBA player Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality. When first announced in August 2024, the program set a goal to create $5 billion in net worth for historically marginalized communities in the Oakland area.

In related news, California Senator Kamala Harris received a standing ovation after a surprise appearance at Broadway shows, further highlighting the importance of uplifting and supporting marginalized communities. Brown's Xchange program is yet another step towards achieving this goal and creating a more equitable society.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]