Jayson Tatum fondly recalls the moment he became a homeowner for the first time.
“It didn’t seem real,” remarked the Boston Celtics power forward, a five-time NBA All-Star slated to start for the Eastern Conference in this year’s All-Star Game on Sunday.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Tatum shared his desire to extend that feeling to others in his hometown of St. Louis, helping them achieve homeownership.
Tatum disclosed that financial services company SoFi has contributed $1 million to the Jayson Tatum Foundation for this purpose.
The generous donation, announced on Tuesday, will establish the SoFi Generational Wealth Fund at the foundation, aimed at assisting homebuyers with down payments.
“I can’t stress enough how excited I am just knowing how many lives and the families that we can impact,” Tatum said. “And I can only imagine how much this would have impacted myself and my mom growing up.”
Twenty-five-year-old Tatum was raised by his mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, who had him when she was 19.
“Me and my mom, we didn’t know about investments or savings accounts when we were growing up. But, when I got to the NBA and started to make money, we had to ask questions and learn about things,” Tatum said. “And it was always important for me, even when I was younger. I just knew I wanted to give back and help people that looked like me and grew up like me.”
“It’s about making sure you’re with the right people,” Tatum said of his philanthropic work.
“I always go back to St. Louis as much as I can, as often as I can, especially in the summertime,” Tatum said. “Just knowing the impact that I can have on my community by being there, by being present.”
Since 2017, Tatum’s nonprofit in St. Louis has been active, offering various support programs and scholarships. Recently, a financial company, SoFi, pledged $1 million to Tatum’s foundation to assist single parents in purchasing homes.
Tatum emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people in philanthropic endeavors. He stressed that true impact extends beyond monetary contributions.
With his success in basketball, Tatum remains committed to his roots, frequently visiting St. Louis to engage with the community.
The partnership with SoFi reflects Tatum’s desire to promote financial literacy and generational wealth, coinciding with his leadership role in the NBA All-Star Game.
“Buying a home is a significant milestone – representing stability, security, and investment – these are things we believe everyone deserves a chance at achieving on their financial journey,” said Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi, in a statement. The company also announced a partnership with the NBA to be its official banking partner and is sponsoring the SoFi NBA Play-in Tournament in April.
Tatum aims to redefine the narrative surrounding St. Louis, highlighting its positive aspects and the resilience of its inhabitants. He believes in the collective effort required to overcome challenges and create opportunities for others.
