MEDIA CONTACTS:
Janet A. Dickerson, Human Impact Solutions
janet@humanimpactsolutions.com
Kimberly Veale, Golden State Warriors
KVeale@warriors.com
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS’ HEAD COACH STEVE KERR JOINS BOARD OF NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND REDUCTION ORGANIZATION
Live Free USA and Coach Kerr Unite to Advance the Vision of a
Nation Free From Gun Violence and Social Injustice
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2023 – Oakland, CA – In a significant step to combat gun violence, Steve Kerr, Head Coach of seven-time NBA Champions The Golden State Warriors, has been named to the board of Live Free USA, a leading organization dedicated to reducing gun violence nationwide. Complementing this appointment, Kerr is bolstering the cause with a personal $100,000 donation to support Live Free USA’s critical Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives.
Pictured here are Coach Kerr with (L to R) Google.org Director Justin Steele, Live Free Board Chair Sherrie Deans, and our esteemed Executive Director Michael McBride, taken at a special gathering hosted by Live Free at the Chase Center this past Monday, Nov. 13.
Renowned for his advocacy for racial and social equity, Coach Kerr’s partnership with Live Free USA aligns with his demonstrated commitment to ending the epidemic-level rates of violence plaguing cities across the United States. In his new role, Kerr will leverage his influence to advise and amplify the organization’s pivotal narrative and culture change efforts, aiming to reshape public discourse and mobilize action against gun violence and systemic injustices affecting Black and Brown communities.
Said Coach Kerr, “When I first had the opportunity to witness and experience the leadership and movement-building work that Pastor Mike McBride and Live Free are leading, I was immediately inspired to become an ally and supporter. It’s evident that to achieve real progress towards eradicating gun violence, collective action at both the local and national levels is crucial. I am honored to join the board of such a catalytic organization, and to meaningfully contribute to this dynamic force for social transformation.”
Since 2014, Live Free USA has trained hundreds of leaders and invested millions of dollars in community-based violence intervention campaigns and programs that have resulted in up to a 50 percent drop in gun violence in key U.S. cities. Over the years, the organization has played a key role in legislative advocacy, including being a co-architect of the 2019 “Breaking the Cycle of Violence Act” introduced in 2019 by Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ) and Steven Horsford (D-NV). Additionally, Live Free USA has recently been lauded for its “An Archaeology of Silence Speaker Series” – a poignant partnership with acclaimed artist Kehinde Wiley, the de Young Museum and Google.org to champion the voices and lived experiences of people directly impacted by state violence, over-policing and mass incarceration, as well as civic and economic disenfranchisement.
“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment and support of Coach Kerr, who has continued to speak out and use his platform to condemn hate, violence and injustice,” said Live Free USA Executive Director Michael McBride, a nationally-renown anti-violence and faith leader. “His personal donation to support our work further highlights the importance of sustained investments in evidence-based community violence intervention work. Live Free looks forward to deepening our partnership with Coach Kerr and The Warriors in ways that further the cause and power our mission to build safer, stronger and more peaceful communities.”
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About Live Free USA
Live Free USA is a national non-profit organization and social justice network that is committed to ending gun violence, mass incarceration, and mass criminalization through education, advocacy, and direct action. We collaborate with thousands of community-based organizations, faith leaders, and directly impacted leaders and movement partners throughout the country to reduce gun violence. Our approach is community-centered and data-driven, using public health strategies to address the root causes of violence. Learn More: livefreeusa.org
