Michael Jordan pledges $100m to organisations fighting for racial equality

Michael Jordan, a former basketball player, says he and his brand would be giving $100 million to organisations dedicated to promoting racial equality and social justice.

The 57-year-old NBA legend spoke on his commitment to the black community in a joint statement on Friday.

He said he and his Jordan Brand, a shoe-and-apparel division of Nike, would donate the sum over the next 10 years with the aim of “ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education”.

“The Jordan Brand is us, the black community. Jordan Brand is more than one man. It has always been a family,” read the statement.

“We represent a proud family that has overcome obstacles, fought against discrimination in communities worldwide, and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and injustice.

“The will, the work, the excellence the world has come to know is the result of one generation after another, pouring their dreams into the next. Black lives matter. This isn’t a controversial statement.

“Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to take is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of black people.

“We announce that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will donate $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice, and access to education.”

Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. We are you. We are a family. We are a community. pic.twitter.com/cGH8bJl1GQ

— Jordan (@Jumpman23) June 5, 2020

George Floyd, a black American, died on May 25, after being pinned down by the neck for nearly nine minutes by Derek Chauvin, a Minnesota police officer, during an arrest.

Amid the protests that ensued, about 25 cities across the country had been under curfew after citizens took to the streets while celebrities spoke against racism and white privilege in the US.

Jordan’s gesture comes after Kanye West had set up a college fund for the daughter of George Floyd while also donating $2 million to charities associated with Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.