Michael Jordan and the Nike-owned Jordan Brand pledged to contribute $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to racial equality, social justice and education access, in the largest corporate donation made in the response to George Floyd’s death.
The pledge is believed to be the largest financial contribution to non-profit groups ever made by a figure from the sports world.
“It’s 2020 and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life,” a joint statement from Jordan and his Jordan Brand said.
“Yet as much as things have changed the worst remains the same.”Black lives matter.
This isn’t a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people,” the statement added.
Jordan’s donation comes after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests across the United States following the death of an unarmed black man during an arrest in Minneapolis.
Large scale demonstrations have been held in all 50 states, with protesters demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism after George Floyd‘s death on May 25.
‘Saddened, angry’
Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest player in NBA history with an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion, had already issued a passionate statement decrying Floyd’s killing.
“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan, 57, said last Sunday. “We have had enough.”
Jordan’s donation and impassioned recent statements followed criticism during his playing career over his reluctance to take a more prominent role in activist causes.
In the recent “The Last Dance” documentary, he addressed his infamous quip that he had steered clear of politics because “Republicans buy sneakers too.”
Jordan acknowledged that his apolitical stance might be viewed as selfish in some quarters.
“I wasn’t a politician when I was playing my sport. I was focused on my craft,” Jordan said. “Was that selfish? Probably. But that was my energy. That’s where my energy was.”
Jordan said he had instead sought to set an example by his achievements as an athlete.
By NK AB