SD makes Juneteenth donation to honor Gwynn

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres announced a partnership with the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce (CSDBCC) on Friday and unveiled a donation in support of the Black Business Relief Grant Fund.

On Juneteenth, the annual holiday celebrating the liberation of slaves in the United States in 1865, the Padres pledged to donate $19,000 to the relief fund "in honor and memory of Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn," who wore No. 19.

Those funds will be allocated to Black-owned local small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CSDBCC is aiming to raise $1 million; the Padres have encouraged their business partners and fans to contribute.

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"The Padres and our ownership are committed to bringing positive change to the San Diego community through helping to eliminate racism and social injustice," said Erik Greupner, the team’s president of business operations. "As we continue to seek opportunities to support and stand with our Black community, partnering with the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce to help get small business owners back on their feet is a tangible step towards the change that we need. The number 19 is special in San Diego, and the opportunity to honor Tony’s legacy through this donation makes it even more meaningful to the Padres."

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Said CSDBCC president Donna DeBerry: "Our community thrives when we come together to support one another. We are grateful for the Padres’ commitment to putting dollars behind their support of the Black San Diego community, and are proud to call them our home team."

On Friday morning, outfielder Taylor Trammell added an important Juneteenth message on Twitter, saying:

#HappyJuneteenth Today marks the day where African American slaves were emancipated from slavery. Without it, I would not be where I’m at today. Thankfully we are not where we were in 1865, but we still have a long ways to go!