This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
On June 5, 2020, Michael Jordan announced a record-breaking Sh10 billion ($100 million) donation to organizations dedicated to racial equality and social justice in the United States.
The donation, made through his Jordan Brand, will be distributed over 10 years to various organizations working to combat ingrained racism and promote equality.
According to a joint statement from Jordan and his Jordan Brand, the donation is a response to the ongoing protests across the United States following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.
“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 added.
Jordan’s donation comes after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests, with large-scale demonstrations held in all 50 states demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism.
Regarded by many as the greatest player in NBA history, Jordan had already issued a passionate statement decrying Floyd’s killing, saying he was “deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry.”
