Big news out of Atlanta this afternoon as the Falcons announced that the team has added four Black limited partners to the team’s ownership group.
The impressive group consists of corporate executive Rosalind Brewer, Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes, film and TV producer Will Packer and venture capitalist Rashaun Williams.
“Roz, Dominique, Will and Rashaun are impressive leaders who have made an impact in a variety of enterprises, while also building histories of success making a difference in the world around them and positively impacting people in ways that align very well with our Core Values,” said Atlanta Falcons owner and chairman Arthur M. Blank in a statement. “Each brings unique talent, experience and perspective to our ownership group so I’m excited to have them on board as limited partners and to tapping their vast expertise in finding ways to continue building the Atlanta Falcons and making an even bigger difference in our community.”
Rosaline Brewer expands her relationship with Blank. The former President and CEO of Sam’s Club and Walgreen Boots Alliance has served as an associate director on the board of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation since 2016, and she will continue to serve in that capacity.
“As I embrace the opportunity to become a limited partner of the Atlanta Falcons, I’m reminded that true leadership extends beyond boardrooms and onto the fields where dreams are forged and communities united,” said Brewer. “My journey has always been about people – their stories, aspirations and the communities we build together. Having worked with Arthur and his Foundation for several years, I have deep respect and appreciation for the values that guide everything Arthur does in his businesses and philanthropy – his impact on Atlanta has been immeasurable. With this incredible opportunity, I look forward to championing the Falcons’ successes and Atlanta’s spirit as we strive to make a genuine difference in the lives we touch, both on and off the field.”
Dominique Dawes, a 3x Olympic gymnast, is no stranger to the world of sports or the city of Atlanta. At the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, Dawes became the African-American gymnast to win a gold medal.
“Throughout the course of my life, making an impact on others has always been my driving force. What I accomplished in 1996, winning America’s first Team Gold Medal in gymnastics and as the first African-American to win Gold, in the city of Atlanta, has given me, to this day, the greatest platform to continually inspire others,” said Dawes. “The unique opportunity Mr. Blank has provided enables me to further my positive impact on those in the Atlanta community, a place I hold near and dear to my heart. Having been a global ambassador for the United States, I hope that my platform and influence as one of the few African American women to be a limited partner in the National Football League has broad impact throughout the NFL community and beyond.”
Will Packer is well known for his successful entertainment career, with a movie catalog grossing more than $1 billion worldwide.
“The power of representation and equity should never be underestimated and as someone who has dedicated his career to creating diverse imagery, I have a true appreciation of Mr. Blank’s commitment to opening doors that have historically been closed to African Americans,” said Packer. “This investment represents not only the personal opportunity of a lifetime, but also the chance to demonstrate for generations to come that someone who looks like me can excel not only on the field, but at the highest level of the exclusive ranks of NFL ownership.”
Rashaun Williams is a venture capitalist, former Wall Street Executive and co-founder of Queensbridge Venture Partners.
“NFL football is the great unifier, bringing people together across socioeconomic, racial, and political divides. As an alumnus of Morehouse College now raising a family in Atlanta, I could not be more excited to invest in the Falcons. I believe in the immense potential of this team and this city to Rise Up to the greatest heights, and I look forward to supporting the Falcons and the city of Atlanta for many successful seasons to come.”
The four limited partners join the group of seven current limited partners, including former Falcons star, Warrick Dunn.
