Michael Jordan has announced he will donate $100 million to organizations that fight for racial equality in the wake of the George Floyd protests that have gripped the United States.
The basketball legend revealed on Friday that he and his Jordan Brand, a shoe-and-apparel division of Nike, would donate the funds over the next 10 years with the goal of 'ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education'.
'Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement,' the former NBA star and current Charlotte Hornets owner 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.'
His statement went on to say that his Jordan Brand represents the black community.
'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,' he said.
'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.
'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.'
His pledge comes just days after he joined thousands of Americans in voicing his anger and frustration over the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
'I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,' he said of Floyd's death. 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.'
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