NBA legend Michael Jordan came out of his silence. The basketball star has announced that he will donate $ 100 million to organizations working for racial equality and social justice, amid a scorching environment marked by a wave of protests in the United States. 

"Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will donate $ 100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring race equality, social justice and better access to education," said the minister. communicated. 

The biggest donation ever 

This pledge is certainly the biggest pledge ever made by a sports figure to non-profit charities. 

The personal fortune of Michael Jordan, considered the greatest player in NBA history and owner of the Charlotte Hornets franchise, is estimated at $ 2.1 billion. 

The importance of this donation testifies to the intense emotion aroused by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American, during his arrest on May 25 in Minneapolis, which has been igniting the country for ten days with demonstrations turning to clashes. 

"We are in 2020, and our Jordan family includes all those who aspire to our way of life. Although many things have changed, the worst behaviors persist," said Michael Jordan. 

“Rooted racism” 

"Black Lives Matter. This is not a controversial claim. Until this entrenched racism that causes our country's institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will continue to commit to protecting and improve the lives of black people, "said the former Chicago Bulls star, six-time NBA champion. 

Very reluctant during his playing career to speak out to protest racial or societal issues in the United States, a mutism for which he has often been criticized, Michael Jordan expressed his anger last week after the death of George Floyd, joining the choir of the very many athletes to be indignant. 

"We have had enough," said Mr. J., saying "alongside those who speak out against racism and violence against people of color in our country." "We must continue peaceful protests against injustice and demand recognition of responsibilities." 

No political commitment 

In the recent documentary "The Last Dance" devoted to the epic of the Bulls in the 1990s, a passage was devoted to the famous replica tinged with cynicism, "the Republicans also buy sneakers", pronounced by Michael Jordan in a private setting , when he was accused of not supporting the senatorial candidacy of a black Democrat candidate against a white Republican with known racist opinions. 

In the documentary, Michael Jordan argued that he had never seen himself as a committed athlete. "I congratulate Muhammad Ali for defending his beliefs. But I never considered myself an activist. I considered myself a basketball player." 

With AFP

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