Jordan called for the public to “extend a hand” and to “understand the inequalities” in societyNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Michael Jordan “hopes the pledge he and Jordan Brand made Friday” -- to donate $100M over the next 10 years to support organizations working for racial equality, social justice and greater access to education -- “helps start a conversation and a level of education that can finally end the ingrained racism" that he says he has "seen all his life as an African American,” according to Rick Bonnell of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Jordan said, “We have encountered racism to be somewhat acceptable in certain circles. We’ve got to understand at an early age (that can’t be tolerated).” On what motivated him to donate $100M, Jordan explained, “We have been beaten down (as African Americans) for so many years. It sucks your soul. You can’t accept it anymore. This is a tipping point. We need to make a stand. We’ve got to be better as a society regarding race.” Jordan also called for the public to “extend a hand” and to “understand the inequalities” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/6). Bonnell in a separate piece noted this is the "latest of several multi-million dollar donations by Jordan." In addition, Jordan Brand "already had a program, Jordan Wings, to mentor minority youth and endow college scholarships" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/6). In DC, Gene Wang wrote with this donation, Jordan "offered his most compelling response to date in debunking the narrative" that he "isn’t doing enough to advance the cause of social justice" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/6).
