This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
Former NBA player Michael Jordan has pledged to donate $100 million over the next 10 years to organisations engaged in the fight for racial equality and social justice.
The announcement comes after several days of protests in the United States and further afield following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota last week.
On May 31, 2020, Jordan released a statement expressing his outrage over the Floyd incident, saying he was "deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry" and that he stood with those "calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country."
"Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement," Jordan said in a 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."
He added, "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."
As a six-time NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer, Jordan owns the Charlotte Hornets and has been back in the headlines in recent weeks following the hugely popular documentary series 'The Last Dance' about his final championship season.
