
Michael Jordan, Hall of Fame NBA player and owner of the Charlotte Hornets, spoke plainly about the damage racial injustice has done to the African American community in an exclusive interview with the Charlotte Observer.
"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," Jordan told the newspaper.
"Face up to your demons. Extend a hand. Understand the inequalities," Jordan answered when asked what needs to happen to change racist behavior. "Sure, it’s about bargaining for better policing, but it’s more. We have encountered racism to be somewhat acceptable in certain circles."
On Friday, Michael Jordan and Nike's Jordan Brand pledged to donate $100 million over the next ten years to organizations dedicated to promoting racial equality, social justice, and education. Speaking on why he chose those initiatives, Jordan said, "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.”