Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand have announced a $100 million donation to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice, and greater access to education.
“Through our Jordan Wings Program, we have been focused on providing access to education, mentorship and opportunity for Black youth facing the obstacles of systemic racism… but we know we can do more,” read the statement from June 5.
“We must join forces with the community, government and civic leaders to create a lasting impact together,” said Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand, who emphasized they want to have a “real impact” in the Black Community.
“The past several months have shown us the power of our global community and a passion that transcends cultural and regional boundaries,” added Williams.
On the Jordan Brand’s responsibility to support the next generation, they wrote, “We embrace the responsibility.”
And, in that spirit, the mission of its Jordan Wings Program is to provide inspiration and access so that youth can create a better future. On May 27 the Program awarded scholarships to 32 students across North America for any four-year university. They will join the 1,800 students already funded during the past six years in both China and the United States.
Michael Jordan released a statement in the wake of nationwide protests against police brutality, saying in part:
“I don’t have the answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others. We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn our backs on senseless brutality. We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability. Our unified voice needs to put pressure on our leaders to change our laws, or else we need to use our vote to create systemic change. Every one of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.”
BleacherReport wrote that Jordan has made donations in the past to help improve relations between law enforcement and the black community: “He pledged $1 million each to the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in 2016”.
