Michael Jordan donates Sh10 billion to activists
Michael Jordan said that he is making a record Sh10 billion ($100 million) donation to groups fighting for racial equality and social justice amid a wave of protests across the United States.
The NBA legend said his Jordan Brand would distribute the money over 10 years to different organizations in a bid to stamp out “ingrained racism.”
The pledge is believed to be the largest financial contribution to non-profit groups ever made by a figure from the sports world.
“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. 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,” a joint statement from Jordan and his Jordan Brand said.
Jordan’s donation comes after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests across the United States following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.
Jordan, with an estimated net worth of Sh210 billion ($2.1 billion), had already issued a passionate statement decrying Floyd’s killing.
In the recent “The Last Dance” documentary, he addressed his infamous quip that he had steered clear of politics because “Republicans buy sneakers too.”
“I do commend Muhammad Ali for standing up for what he believed in,” Jordan said. “But I never thought of myself as an activist. I thought of myself as a basketball player. I wasn’t a politician when I was playing my sport. I was focused on my craft. Was that selfish? Probably. But that was my energy. That’s where my energy was. The way I go about my life is I set examples. If it inspires you? Great, I will continue to do that. If it doesn’t? Then maybe I’m not the person you should be following,” Jordan said.