Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand released a statement on Friday announcing 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.”
Here’s the statement, as tweeted by Jordan’s manager and spokeswoman, Estee Portnoy:
Joint Statement from Michael Jordan & Jordan Brand regarding $100m donation. pic.twitter.com/yYXWh5eBZl
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 5, 2020
The Jordan Brand is us, the Black Community.
Jordan Brand is more than one man. It has always been a family. 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 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.
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.
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.
Today, we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.
The announcement and donation comes after the recent killing of George Floyd. On May 25, Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes, despite Floyd telling Chauvin and three other officers that he couldn’t breathe. It was announced on Wednesday that Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder, and the three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting murder.
Floyd’s death has led to racial injustice and police brutality protests that continue all across the United States, and even worldwide.
Jordan released a statement on May 31, saying, “We have had enough.”
Statement From Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/lnXYMhtvo3
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) May 31, 2020
I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry. I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration. 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 systematic change. Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.
My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd and to the countless others whose lives have been brutally and senselessly taken through acts of racism and injustice.
Following the huge success of The Last Dance, Jordan’s popularity has returned to its ’90s levels. In the past, Jordan has been criticized for not speaking out more regarding politics and social issues, whereas LeBron James and other current stars are very vocal. But he’s certainly making the most of his platform recently with his statements and the massive donation.