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Michael Jordan hopes $100M donation aids education, conversations on ending racism

The basketball great says he hopes the pledged money, also coming from Nike, will go to groups working for racial equality, social justice and greater education access.
 
Basketball Hall of Famer and Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan speaks at a news conference before of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 24 in Paris. Jordan says he is "deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the civil unrest that has followed.
Basketball Hall of Famer and Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan speaks at a news conference before of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 24 in Paris. Jordan says he is "deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the civil unrest that has followed. [ ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP | TNS ]
Published June 6, 2020

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan knows money alone can’t solve racism or barriers to upward mobility for the poor.

But he hopes the pledge he and Nike’s Jordan Brand division made Friday — to donate $100 million over the next 10 years to racial equality and social justice causes — helps start a conversation and a level of education that can finally end the ingrained racism the Basketball Hall of Famer says he’s seen all his life as an African American.

“We have encountered racism to be somewhat acceptable in certain circles,” Jordan, owners of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, told The Charlotte Observer. “We’ve got to understand at an early age (that can’t be tolerated). Education is such an important part” of societal change.

The $100 million pledge will go to support organizations working for racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.

Jordan said access to education is crucial to upward mobility and changing cultural norms regarding race and poverty. He called the death of African American George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis the “tipping point” for decades of black outrage over brutality toward people of color.

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Floyd died May 25 after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, held his knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes as Floyd lay handcuffed on the pavement, gasping that he couldn’t breathe. Chauvin was fired and has been charged with murder. Three other officers at the scene were also fired and are charged with aiding and abetting murder.

This interview has been edited lightly for brevity and clarity.

Q: What moved you to action to give $100 million?

Jordan: 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.

Q: What has to happen to change racist behaviors?

Jordan: Face up to your demons. Extend a hand. Understand the inequalities. Sure, it’s about bargaining for better policing, but it’s more. We have encountered racism to be somewhat acceptable in certain circles.

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Q: Which organizations get the $100 million? Where does that money go to address these issues?

Jordan: We haven’t yet figured which vehicles to utilize. But it’s first about making an effort. It’s not just (donating) money. It’s the act of calling on all of us to take a look at ourselves. That’s an important start.

Q: How would you describe bias?

Jordan: Just because someone grew up in a slum doesn’t mean you should look at them as not being equal — so they, themselves, start seeing themselves as not equal. You should not feel you’re better than others because you grew up with more advantages.

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Q: Describe your emphasis on education.

Jordan: It’s education 110 percent. My parents always stressed that education as how you best bond with other people. Education is the best route for black people to better themselves. To compete to be the best you can be, you have got to be educated. If you look at this country, that helping hand (to get a college education) is the best chance to stand up on your own.

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Q: What’s your approach to philanthropy?

Jordan: If I’m giving $100 million, along with Jordan Brand, then we’re going to make this go in a way that makes a difference. And this — attacking ingrained racism, supporting educational opportunity — is a very necessary step in society.

Q: You’ve contributed millions to hurricane relief and to build two health clinics in underserved neighborhoods in Charlotte. What do you hope to accomplish?

Jordan: This isn’t just about donations, writing checks. But those hospital (clinics) make a difference. I’m challenging people to effect change however they can.