Michael Jordan’s Jordan Brand Pledges $100 Million Towards Racial Equality

Words by Andre Kettle

Michael Jordan’s Jordan Brand will donate $100 million over the next 10 years “to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice, and greater access to education.”

In a joint statement made on Twitter, the basketball legend and the company stated “The Jordan Brand is us, the Black Community. 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.”

This generous donation comes about a week after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Floyd was murdered on May 25th after video footage went viral on social media showing Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin with his knee on Floyd’s neck while he was unarmed and handcuffed, along with three other officers standing by watching while crying out “I can’t breathe.”

The money will fund the Jordan Wings Program, which provides educational and mentorship opportunities and scholarships for young Black children who face “the obstacles of systemic racism.”

MJ and the sneaker company also pledged to each provide $50 million towards the $100 million donations, according to sports reporter Matthew Kish, in addition to the $40 million Nike pledged.

In a personal statement made by Michael Jordan on May 31st, he stated “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.”

“Everyone one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.”