NBA legend Michael Jordan has announced that he will donate $ 100 million (€ 88.5 million) to organizations working for racial equality and social justice in a burning environment marked by a wave of protests in the United States.
Personal wealth estimated at $ 2.1 billion
"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. This pledge is certainly the biggest pledge ever made by a sports figure to non-profit charities.
The personal fortune of 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 for 10 days has set the country on fire with demonstrations to clashes.
"The worst behaviors persist"
"We are in 2020, and our Jordan family includes all those who aspire to our way of life. Although much has changed, the worst behaviors persist," said Jordan.
"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.
No speaking during his career
Very reluctant during his playing career to speak up to protest against racial or societal problems in the United States, a silence for which he has often been criticized, Jordan expressed his anger last week after the death of Floyd , joining the choir of the many athletes who were indignant. "We have had enough," said Mr. J., saying "alongside those who denounce racism and violence against people of color in our country". "We must continue peaceful protests against injustice and demand recognition of responsibilities."
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 Jordan in a private setting, when he he had been criticized for not supporting the senatorial candidacy of a black Democrat candidate against a white Republican with known racist opinions.
In the documentary, 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."