Michael Jordan has been busy this NBA offseason. At least as far as being public with social activism goes. Jordan donated $1 million apiece to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
On Monday, M.J. donated $5 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, museum officials announced via The Washington Post.
The Washington Post gave more details on the donation:
The gift, the largest from a sports figure to the 19th Smithsonian museum, pushes private donations to the museum to $278 million. Including federal aid, the museum, which President Obama will open Sept. 24, has raised more than $548 million.
The Chicago Bulls star also gave a jersey that he wore during the 1996 NBA Finals to the museum’s permanent collection. In recognition of the gifts, the museum will name a section of its sports gallery the Michael Jordan Hall.
The inaugural exhibition in that space will feature artifacts associated with 17 “game-changing” athletes, including tennis player Althea Gibson and track-and-field great Jesse Owens. Jordan is among those spotlighted.
Jordan expressed his excitement to be able to donate to the museum, and acknowledged the work of the great Jesse Owens.
From the Washington Post:
“I am grateful for the opportunity to support this museum,” Jordan said in a statement. “I also am indebted to the historic contributions of community leaders and athletes such as Jesse Owens, whose talent, commitment and perseverance broke racial barriers and laid the groundwork for the successful careers of so many African Americans in athletics and beyond.”
We’re not sure what’s made Jordan be more public or possibly donate more money than usual, but it’s great to see Jordan setting an example for others, considering he’s got one of the biggest platforms in the world.
