Michael Jordan Pledges to Donate $100 Million to Black Lives Matter Causes Over the Next Decade
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Michael Jordan is doing his part to support the fight against racial injustice with a substantial donation to the Black Lives Matter movement.
In a joint statement from Jordan and the Jordan Brand on Friday, it was announced that the former NBA star will donate $100 million to social justice causes over the next decade. "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 statement began.
"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," his message continued. "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."
The statement concluded, "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."
Like many, Jordan was angered by the tragic killing of George Floyd when a white police officer knelt on his neck, and posted a personal note about the injustice on Twitter.
"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," he said, adding: "We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn out backs on senseless brutality."
Other celebrities — including Angelina Jolie, Kanye West, and Chrissy Teigen — have also opened up their wallets with donations to various Black Lives Matter charities.