Joel Embiid Launches “In Memory of Arthur” Community Initiative to Uplift Philadelphia

NBA All-Star’s Initiative Pledges $1 Million to Philadelphia Organizations with support from Under Armour; Program Pays Tribute To Embiid’s Late Brother

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 13, 2022 – NBA All-Star Joel Embiid today announced the launch of his new philanthropic platform , “In Memory of Arthur'' (IMOA) Initiative, which he designed to make a positive change on Philadelphia, by investing in some of the city’s most impactful non-profit organizations. Bolstered by contributions from Embiid and Embiid’s close partner Under Armour, the IMOA Initiative has pledged to grant $1 Million to a group of locally-led nonprofit organizations, over the next three years.

“Philadelphia has been a place where many of my dreams were able to come true, and I wanted to do my part to bring that to others,” Embiid said. “There are a number of organizations in Philadelphia that are creating positive tangible change, but with the IMOA Initiative, we really wanted to focus on those who are often overlooked, but deeply understand the communities they serve. As an NBA player, I’ve been blessed with resources and influence, and with IMOA, I hope to pour back everything I have into my community, by empowering the experts that are the real MVP’s of making a difference.”

IMOA Initiative is named after, and created in memory of Embiid’s late brother, Arthur, who was killed in a car accident in Cameroon in 2014 at age 13. Joel hopes that this initiative can create a positive legacy around Arthur's name, one that he believes Arthur would have built himself had he not been lost at such a young age.

The organizations selected for grants include the following:

• Philadelphia Youth Basketball League: Offering holistic early intervention, violence prevention, restorative justice and sporting activities for young people in Philly.
• New Options More Opportunities / NoMo: Offering alternatives to violence and gang-related activity for teens in Philly.
• Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout (YEAH Philly): Black-led, community organization dedicated to elevating the experiences of teens and young adults impacted by violence while interrupting the cycle of violence through peer led mediation and conflict resolution, community investment, and economic opportunities.
• Boys & Girls Club Philadelphia: B&GC Philly offers some of the most extensive programming throughout the city for afterschool and youth development.
• Rhymes with Reason: This award-winning literacy program uses popular music to enhance vocabulary and improve reading skills in kids, and Joel will bring it to Philly for the first time. All organizations receiving grants from IMOA Initiative will participate in Rhymes with Reason.

In addition to the grants, Embiid will have an active role within each organization, and plans to visit and volunteer on a year-round basis. Youth involved will also have access to exciting events and opportunities, including attending 76ers games.

Media Contact
Candace Brenner, Marketing & PR – Rhymes with Reason Email