‘Angry’ Michael Jordan takes incredible $100 million stand against racism
Michael Jordan has had enough! The NBA legend will donate $100 million over 10 years through his Jordan brand to groups fighting for racial equality amid a wave of protests across the US.
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Michael Jordan said he will donate $100 million ($A144m) to groups fighting for racial equality and social justice amid a wave of protests across the United States.
The NBA legend said in a statement his Jordan Brand would distribute the money over 10 years to different organisations in a bid to tackle “ingrained racism”.
“The Jordan Brand is us, the Black Community,” a joint statement from Jordan and the Jordan Brand read.
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“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.
Joint Statement from Michael Jordan & Jordan Brand regarding $100m donation. pic.twitter.com/yYXWh5eBZl
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 5, 2020
“Today, we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organisations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.”
This commitment comes after Jordan joined a chorus of voices from the sports world demanding change following the death of George Floyd.
“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” the former NBA star and current Charlotte Hornets owner said in a statement.
“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 colour 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.
“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.”
Originally published as ‘Angry’ Michael Jordan takes incredible $100 million stand against racism