ACPS Athletics Awarded Grant to Fight Systemic Racism

Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Athletics was among 19 nonprofits and community leaders to be awarded an ACT for Alexandria (ACT) grant to help in the fight against systemic racism. This $2,000 grant from ACT’s Fund for Racial Equity will help ACHS provide a healthy meal to the more than 100 students who play on all three levels of the high school’s football program.

“Most of the students on the football teams are black and brown children who do not have the money to purchase food before a game,” Executive Director of Athletics and Student Activities James Parker said. He added this grant will make a real difference for these student athletes as serving them a nutritious meal will expose them to healthier food options that hopefully will carry over into their daily lives. The funding will also help ensure the students have the energy needed to perform at a high level, taking the stress off their mind on how they will eat on game days.

“We definitely want to stop our athletes from eating unhealthy fast food prior to a game because it's not good for their performance, nor is it good for their own health,” said Parker.

President and CEO of ACT for Alexandria Heather Peeler added, “We are excited to have an impact on the health and well-being of Alexandria's youth through the Fund for Racial Equity. Investing in future generations is a critical foundation for long-term racial equity advances.”

The Fund for Racial Equity was established to uplift and invest in the ideas and solutions of everyday Alexandrians.