On Friday, Nike committed $40 million over the next four years to support the black community in the U.S. In a separate statement, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Nike-owned Jordan Brand announced they’ll be giving $100 million over the next ten years to “organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.”
Nike said its $40 million commitment will be focused on investing in and supporting organizations that put social justice, education and addressing racial inequality in America at the center of their work.
“Systemic racism and the events that have unfolded across America over the past few weeks serve as an urgent reminder of the continued change needed in our society. We know Black Lives Matter. We must educate ourselves more deeply on the issues faced by Black communities and understand the enormous suffering and senseless tragedy racial bigotry creates,” said John Donahoe, President and CEO of Nike, Inc. “The Nike, Inc. family can always do more but will never stop striving to role model how a diverse company acts. We will continue our focus on being more representative of our consumers while doing our part in the communities we serve.”
Nike said it believes in a level playing field for all and leveraging the power of sport and brands to move the world forward. The company said the additional $40 million builds upon the Nike Inc. family’s long history of providing support to the communities in which they operate.
Nike said in its statement, “We are deeply committed to driving focus and impact through our teams, brands and community partners. During this past year, we’ve stepped up our own efforts and measures of accountability in the areas of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging to foster an inclusive environment and attract a more diverse workforce. We are driven by a commitment to transparency, accountability and impact and share our progress in these areas annually through the Nike Impact Report.”
In a separate statement announcing the donation from the Jordan brand and Michael Jordan, Nike wrote, ”
“Jordan Brand is us, the Black Community.
“Jordan Brand is more than one man. It has always been a family. We represent a proud family that has overcome obstacles, fought against discrimination in communities worldwide and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and the damage of injustice. The will, the work, the excellence the world has come to know is the result of one generation after another, pouring their dreams into the next.
“It’s 2020, and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life. Yet as much as things have changed, the worst remains the same.
“Black lives matter. This isn’t a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people.
“Today, we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years 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. In addition to the investment from Nike Inc., we are announcing a joint commitment from Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand to donate $100 million over the next 10 years. We must join forces with the community, government and civic leaders to create a lasting impact together,” said Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand. “There is still more work for us to do to drive real impact for the Black Community. We embrace the responsibility.”
