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76ers' Tobias Harris Marches in Protest over George Floyd's Death in Philly
May 30, 2020
Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris took part in a protest march Saturday in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis Police Department custody Monday.
Floyd's death has sparked nationwide outrage and protests, and Harris' Instagram video (via Jeff Skversky of WPVI) showcased the large gathering in Philadelphia:
The 27-year-old New York native previously discussed Floyd's death on Twitter.
"Heartbroken at this, bystanders can't go tackle the officer off the man because we know how that would play out," Harris wrote Tuesday. "Only one here to help is the other officer standing there letting it all happen. SHAME!!!!"
He also replied to the video of his participation in Saturday protest, writing: "You best believe I am!!! Unity..."
Harris, who donated $100,000 to the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia in October as part of $1 million in charitable donations he made, has advocated for black teachers' role in helping build inner-city communities.
In December, he paid a surprise visit to the Bethune Elementary School in North Philly to discuss their importance.
"A young black man that has an African American teacher is 40 percent less likely to drop out come high school. I truly believe if you invest in the education, you invest in the school and in the community we'll see more young leaders come up and more children come up with an education base and be able to fulfill their dreams in whatever they want to do," he told reporters.
Harris, a University of Tennessee product, has also played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers during a nine-year NBA career.