Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand announced that they will donate $100 million over the next 10 years to “organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.”
In a statement tweeted by a Jordan spokesperson, Jordan and his company said “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.”
Joint Statement from Michael Jordan & Jordan Brand regarding $100m donation. pic.twitter.com/yYXWh5eBZl
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 5, 2020
The announcement comes as protesters around the country continue to raise awareness of police brutality and social injustice after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police custody.
The announcement did not specify which groups would receive donations.
Jordan spoke out on Floyd’s death last month.
‘‘I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,’’ he said in a statement. ‘‘I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.
‘‘I don’t have the answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others. We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn our backs on senseless brutality. We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability. Our unified voice needs to put pressure on our leaders to change our laws, or else we need to use our vote to create systemic change. Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.’’
