NEW YORK – Minnesota Lynx guard Layshia Clarendon has been named the August WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm^® recipient for their continuous efforts as a trailblazer and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and Black and Brown youth.

Clarendon’s passion and dedication to support the LGBTQ+ community and Black and Brown youth shines through their work with the Clay Counseling Foundation, which provides counseling, restorative justice services, LGBTQ+ support, anger management classes, parenting classes, and support for victims of domestic violence.  Clarendon provided t-shirts and participated in a virtual welcome for the Clay’s Counseling Foundation back-to-school night in addition to in-kind donations for fundraising auctions.

Clarendon continues their work with the Say Her Name Campaign and African American Policy Forum to better understand how the league can support families of police brutality victims and shine a light on inequality and systemic racism.

“Basketball has always been my vehicle to create lasting change for communities and people in need,” said Clarendon.  “I believe deeply in using my platform to shine a light for others, those who aren’t being heard, who are doing work that isn’t seen, and those who are in need.  Because none of us are free until we are all free.”

Clarendon has also worked with the Lynx to coordinate an auction with all proceeds benefiting the Morrison Family Fund Grant which was established by 4MOM, a charity that provides financial support for caregivers and loved ones living with Alzheimer’s Disease, after her former coach at the University of California Kevin Morrison was diagnosed with Stage 5 early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

Clarendon sourced items from the Lynx and WNBA community including signed shoes, apparel and basketballs and was able to raise nearly $9,000 for the Morrison family in a short time period.

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm^® is awarded monthly during the season to the player who best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community.  In recognition of Clarendon’s efforts, the WNBA and State Farm^® will donate $5,000 to the Kevin Morrison Family Grant.

Please visit wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassist for more information on the award and its recipients.