The Sacramento Kings, Black Lives Matter Sacramento and Build. Black. coalition, have joined forces to put a stop to police brutality and systematic racism, reports the Sacramento Bee. 

We are pleased to announce that @SacramentoKings and and @Blackmatterssac have partnered with the @buildblack10 coalition to #buildblack #Justice4StephonClark pic.twitter.com/o4ZAMooF21

— Build.Black. (@buildblack10) March 29, 2018

This partnership comes in response to the death of Stephon Clark, 22, who was shot and killed by police in Sacramento on March 18. Civil rights protesters rallied outside of a Kings game following the shooting, and delayed the game for 20 minutes. 

Confirmation, that with just right amount of pressure, positive change can come. We see you .@Vivek https://t.co/1cowgQUdvK

— BlackLivesMatter Sac (@BLMSacramento) March 29, 2018

"This tragic death really humanized something that’s been felt deeply in this community for a long time, something that’s been brewing,” Build. Black. spokeswoman Darcy Totten said. "Our goal is to fundamentally transform the conditions that led to the death of Stephon Clark because those conditions are systemic."

The Kings said on Wednesday, that they will set up an educational fund for Clark's two children and co-sponsor a forum in Sacramento. The team also pledged to work with Build. Black. Coalition, "to support the education of young people and to provide the workforce preparation and economic development efforts."

Mayor Darrell Steinberg said he was excited about the partnership and moving the city forward. 

“I love that the Kings have joined the Build.Black coalition and are stepping up to provide an education fund for Stephon Clark’s children in addition to commuting to new investments in Sacramento’s African American youth,” Steinberg said. 

This Friday, Kings players Vince Carter and Garrett Temple and retired guard Doug Christie will appear at a community event, "Kings and Queens Rise: A Youth Voice Forum for Healing" at Sacramento Christian Church. The team is also calling for police accountability. 

 

Sacramento Kings