On Jackie Robinson Day, Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook joined a new initiative to provide 4.2 million masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical workers in African American communities hit hardest by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The 4.2 figure and the group’s #Operation42 hashtag reflects the jersey number of Robinson, who became the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947 ended roughly 80 years of baseball segregation.
Westbrook made the announcement in posts to his social media accounts, which were accompanied by a special video. Westbrook is partnering with Tulco, which was founded by his friend, Thomas Tull.
It’s the latest in a string of charity donations by Westbrook and his Why Not? Foundation amid the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier donations have helped his new city of Houston, along with his hometown of Los Angeles.
Now 31 years old, the nine-time NBA All-Star and former league MVP is averaging 27.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game in the 2019-20 season — his first with the Rockets.
