July 27th 2023.
Jaylen Brown made history this week when he signed the largest NBA contract in history. The 5-year, $303.7 million deal is unprecedented, and Brown is aware of the privilege that comes with it. At a press conference for his official signing, the 26-year-old spoke about his plan to help close the racial wealth gap in Boston.
"I appreciate the commitment from the Celtics," Brown said. "That commitment will be felt from me here in Boston on and off the floor." Brown wants to revive Boston's "Black Wall Street," a historically segregated and oftentimes violent part of the city. "There's analytics that support that stimulating the wealth gap is something that could be a betterment for the entire economy," he said. "With the biggest financial deal in NBA history, it makes sense to talk about one, your investment in the community. But two, also the wealth disparity here that nobody wants to talk about. It's something we can all improve on."
Brown's work towards this goal started before his current deal through his 7uice Foundation and Bridge Program. The Bridge Program focuses on promoting science and technology education to underserved minority communities in high school. According to ESPN, Brown hopes that new initiatives will create job growth and resources for sustainable economic growth.
Brown understands that a contract of this size and his plans for the city come with a great deal of responsibility, which he is willing to take on. "I look at life as stages and degrees," he said. "Everything that I went through throughout my career has prepared me for each stage. I don't shy away from pressure. I know what the demand is. I know what the expectation level is. And I know the work that is required. Everything about me is about work. So I look at it as just another challenge."
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