While Breonna Taylor and George Floyd’s names are no longer “Trending Topics” and social media feeds have gone back to “normal”, the fight for Black lives is on-going. Last month, Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand pledged $100 million over the next 10 line. Today, they’ve revealed the first shoe in their support for a community that’s suffered systemic disenfranchisement, incarceration, and wealth disparity.
Areas of focus for Jordan and the brand’s donations include social justice, economic justice, and education and awareness. While specific details haven’t been disclosed regarding initiatives to create access to capital for and increase civic engagement within the Black community, the Brooklyn-born icon and NIKE, Inc. subsidiary are tapping a number of already-established organizations for assistance. Among them, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., Formerly Incarcerated & Convicted People and Families Movement, and Black Voters Matter. To begin, the three advocacy groups are receiving a combined donation of $2.5 million, a notable amount in the fight against Black voter suppression.
“I’m all in with Jordan Brand, the Jordan Family and our partners,” said Jordan. “[We] share a commitment to address the historical inequality that continues to plague Black Communities in the U.S.”
In addition to their recent $100 million pledge, Jordan and Jordan Brand will continue providing access to education, mentorship, and opportunity to Black youth through the NIKE AIR JORDAN 11 RETRO 72-10 28cm, which launched in 2014. To read Jordan Brand’s official press release and learn more about its initial partners, click here.
If you’re interested in making a donation towards the benefit of Black lives, visit our resource page.
