Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand have pledged to give 100 million U.S. dollars to organizations committed to promoting racial equality and social justice.
In a joint statement posted Friday on social media, the basketball legend and Jordan Brand announced the 100-million-U.S. dollar donation will be paid over the next 10 years to "organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education."
"Black lives matter," said the statement. "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."
The announcement came following nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died last week at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer after the police pressed his knee into Floyd's neck to the point that he couldn't breathe.
The joint statement of Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand was released Friday on social media regarding the $100 million donation for organizations dedicated to promoting racial equality. /Twitter
Jordan released a statement last Sunday sending his condolences to Floyd's family and sharing his support in fight for the ingrained racism in the country.
"I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," Jordan said. "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."
Since the death of George Floyd, professional athletes in the U.S. have since joined the campaign, mostly through peaceful expressions, to advocate for a change for the racial injustice in the country.
Two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry marched in a protest Wednesday along with his wife and four teammates from the Golden State Warriors, including Klay Thompson.
On Thursday night, 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes and several of his peers united in a passionate video message to the league demanding it to condemn racism.
On Friday, players and staff of Jacksonville Jaguars marched from their stadium to the steps of the sheriff's department as a gesture to protest against inequality and police brutality.
Jacksonville Jaguars' player Chris Conley addresses the crowd of teammates, staff and families on the steps of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office headquarters building in Jacksonville, Florida, June 5, 2020. /VCG
"Today we say no more," wide receiver Chris Conley said. "Today we see a nation that can't await change, a city that won't sit still or be quiet."
Also on Friday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was wrong for not listening to players fighting for racial equality and encouraged them to peacefully protest.
"It has been a difficult time for our country. In particular, black people in our country," Goodell said in a video released Friday.
"We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country."
(With input from agencies)
(Cover image: Michael Jordan attends a press conference before the NBA Paris Game match between Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks in Paris, France, January 24, 2020. /VCG)