Kyrie Irving quietly made a powerful statement Tuesday (June 25) by donating $50,000 to the Tamir Rice Foundation, marking what would have been Tamir’s 23rd birthday and becoming the top donor to the campaign launched in his memory.
The fundraiser, organized by Tamir’s mother, Samaria Rice, aimed to raise $110,000 to support the Tamir Rice Youth Center and help purchase a building in Cleveland dedicated to serving inner-city youth through arts and cultural programming.
Supporters were encouraged to give $23 to reflect the age Tamir would have turned this year.
“I miss my son so much each and every day,” Samaria Rice said in a statement on the campaign page. “As our family approaches Tamir’s 23rd birthday. I’m asking for 23 dollars for 23 years without him. I purchased a building in the city of Cleveland to give back to our inner city youth with art and cultural developments.”
She added, “I have already invested into this beautiful historical building with you all support. The help you all already have given Tamir’s legacy we are forever appreciative. I will not let my community down or anyone who believe in the vision. Trust me you will see the results.”
Bernice King Pays Tribute To Tamir Rice
Irving has not issued a public statement about the donation, but he did repost a message from Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“My heart goes out to # TamirRice’s family,” King wrote. “Especially to his mother, Samaria Rice, on today, Tamir’s birthday. He should be celebrating 23 years. It is a grave injustice that he’s not. And I just can’t imagine how devastating that is for Ms. Rice… I’m sorry.”
The NBA star has long used his platform to support causes tied to racial justice, Indigenous rights and community empowerment.
Over the years, he has contributed millions to various initiatives, including food banks, student debt relief, clean water access, and WNBA player support.
Tamir Rice was 12 when he was fatally shot by Cleveland police in 2014 while holding a toy gun in a park. His death became a national symbol in the conversation around police violence and racial injustice.