NBA star Michael Jordan announced that he has pledged to donate $100 million over the next decade to fight against racial inequality.
In a joint statement on Friday, Jordan and Jordan Brand announced the large donation. The statement said the funds will go to “organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.”
“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 the damage of injustice,” the statement said. “It’s 2020, and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life. Yet as much as things have changed, the worst remains the same.”
Joint Statement from Michael Jordan & Jordan Brand regarding $100m donation. pic.twitter.com/yYXWh5eBZl
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 5, 2020
“Black lives matter. This isn’t a controversial statement,” the announcement adds. “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 donation comes after Nike, the parent company of Jordan Brand, pledged to donate $40 million over the next four years “to support the Black community in the U.S.,” according to CBS News.
Jordan last week condemned George Floyd’s death and said his life and others were “senselessly taken through acts of racism and injustice.”
Craig Williams, president of Jordan Brand, said the company embraces the responsibility to create meaningful change in the United States.
“We must join forces with the community, government, and civic leaders to create a lasting impact together,” Williams said. “There is still more work for us to do to drive real impact for the Black Community. We embrace the responsibility.”
Protests continued for the ninth day on Saturday, including a massive gathering in the nation’s capital, following video that showed Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, being pinned to the ground by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, as he begged for air. Floyd later died in police custody, and Chauvin was charged with his murder.
