Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and JLH Social Impact Fund Announce Three-Year Partnership, Launching with Sponsorship of “Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson”

BOSTON (March 24, 2025)—Two-time NBA Champion Jrue Holiday and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lauren Holiday’s foundation the Jrue & Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLH Fund), have partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), to launch a groundbreaking three-year partnership, dedicated to uplifting underserved communities through the intersection of art, entrepreneurship, and social impact. This collaboration launches with the sponsorship of Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson, the largest-ever exhibition dedicated to the celebrated Boston-born artist (1922–2015), whose work challenged injustices and redefined the portrayal of Black Americans in art. The JLH Fund, founded by Jrue Holiday and Lauren Holiday, is committed to empowering underserved entrepreneurs and organizations by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to foster long-term success. The Fund’s mission aligns closely with Wilson’s life’s work—both centered on breaking barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering positive change in communities.

“The work that Jrue and Lauren are doing through the JLH Social Impact Fund is inspiring for all of us,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA. “We are honored to partner with them—and the talented entrepreneurs they support—to bring about positive change in Boston. It is equally rewarding to witness how the legacy of John Wilson has resonated with the entire JLH team, demonstrating how art has the power to bring people together.”

Through this collaboration, the inaugural JLH Fund Boston grantee cohort—a group of ten dynamic businesses and organizations—visited the MFA and had the opportunity to experience Witnessing Humanity firsthand. These entrepreneurs, spanning industries from fashion and film to technology and community development, engaged in a curated tour of the exhibition, reflecting on the impact of Wilson’s work and how it connects to their own missions.

“The JLH Fund was created to remove barriers for underserved entrepreneurs and creatives, ensuring that their work and contributions are valued and uplifted,” said Lauren Holiday. “John Wilson’s art was a powerful testament to that same mission—fighting for representation, inspiring future generations, and ensuring that these important stories are seen and heard. We’re honored to partner with the MFA to carry that vision forward.”

As part of the partnership, the MFA will work with JLH’s Marketing and Program leads to produce a special video series capturing the reactions and insights of the JLH grantees as they engage with Wilson’s work. The video will showcase the connection between Wilson’s artistic legacy and the present-day creative economy that the JLH Fund champions.

Since its founding in 2020, the JLH Fund has awarded more than $5 million in grants to over 200 underserved businesses and nonprofits, creating economic opportunities and generational wealth in historically underserved communities. In Boston, the Fund has partnered with Jaylen Brown’s Boston XChange to support a cohort of ten visionary grantees, each receiving $100,000 to advance their businesses and expand their impact.

With this partnership, the MFA and JLH Fund seek to inspire a new generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—bridging the past and present to build a more equitable future.

About the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The MFA brings many worlds together through art. Showcasing masterpieces from ancient to contemporary, our renowned collection of more than half a million works tells a multifaceted story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. From Boston locals to international travelers, visitors from across the globe come to experience the MFA. Through both art and audience, the Museum brings together diverse perspectives—revealing connections, exploring differences, creating a community where all belong. Plan your visit at mfa.org.

About the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund

The JLH Fund, founded by Jrue and Lauren Holiday, is dedicated to providing economic empowerment through direct funding and strategic support to underserved communities across the United States. The fund focuses on building equitable opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs to foster community resilience and economic growth. For more information, visit www.jlhfund.org.

Contact

Karen Frascona
617-369-3442
[email protected]