Jrue Holiday to Donate Remainder of Salary to Start Social Justice Fund

On Wednesday, Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday announced that he and his wife Lauren will donate the rest of his 2020 game checks. The two are creating The Holiday Social Justice Impact Fund which will aid people of color who have been oppressed by social and economic inequality. Holiday claims it was Lauren’s idea to donate the rest of his salary, and when he heard her say this he instantly was on board. The total donation is estimated to exceed $5 million, and will also help black colleges, universities, and businesses impacted by the pandemic, says Holiday.

Being in a position to donate and give back as much as he can is a big deal for Holiday. He recalls times with the police where he states he was racially profiled. Holiday stated “Most of the time with cops, more often than not, I’ve had not too good (of) experiences. Is that a coincidence?” His wife also spoke of an incident where he was handcuffed simply trying to deliver her license to her, which she had forgotten at home.

Holiday aims to split up the donation between three cities, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and New Orleans. He is from Los Angeles and went to UCLA, which is also where he met Lauren. Lauren is from Indianapolis, which also happens to be where Holiday’s brothers, Aaron and Justin play (Indiana Pacers). Last but not least, New Orleans was chosen because he currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans. 

It is clear that he has put an extensive amount of thought into his very generous donation, which he has a very deep personal connection to. In times like these, it is people like Jrue Holiday who always see the glass half full. Even while adjusting to the new NBA bubble, he makes it his top priority to give back to those in dire need, and puts his inconveniences aside.