After years of avoiding the country’s social issues, Michael Jordan is stepping up big time. He recently donated $2 million to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Today, the Washington Post reports that His Airness is going even deeper into his pockets for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The shift from MJ has marked a new level of commitment from one of the most influential men on the planet. Here’s more from the Post:
The gift, the largest from a sports figure to the 19th Smithsonian museum, pushes private donations to the museum to $278 million. Including federal aid, the museum, which President Obama will open on Sept. 24, has raised more than $548 million.
The Chicago Bulls also gave a jersey that Jordan wore during the 1996 NBA Finals to the museum’s permanent collection. In recognition of the gifts, the museum will name a section of its sports gallery the Michael Jordan Hall.
The jersey will be part of the museum’s inaugural exhibition, a celebration of African-American athletes throughout history, which will also include tennis player Althea Gibson and track-and-field great Jesse Owens.
Via press release, Jordan said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to support this museum. I also am indebted to the historic contributions of community leaders and athletes such as Jesse Owens, whose talent, commitment and perseverance broke racial barriers and laid the groundwork for the successful careers of so many African Americans in athletics and beyond.”
h/t Washington Post
