American basketball legend Michael Jordan donated 100 million dollars Friday to organizations fighting for racial equality and social justice, in light of waves of protest across the country over the police’s killing of the black citizen George Floyd.
Six times the 1990s champion with the Chicago Bulls said in a statement that his trademark "Jordan Brand" would distribute the money over a decade to different organizations in an effort to tackle "inherent racism".
This donation is the largest contribution of a sports personality in the world to the benefit of non-profit organizations.
Floyd died at the age of 46 after his arrest on May 25 in Minneapolis, suffocating under the knee of a white policeman who pressed his neck for nine minutes and did not respond to his distress.
"The more things change, the worse the way it is," the statement noted.
"The lives of blacks are important. This is not a controversial statement. Until the enduring racism that contributes to the failure of our institutions is eliminated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of blacks."
"We announce today that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will donate $ 100 million over ten years to organizations guaranteeing racial equality, social justice and increased access to education," he added.
Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players in history, with an estimated wealth of 2.1 billion dollars.
Jordan, 57, had condemned at the weekend a statement of "inherent racism" in the United States, saying that he was "deeply saddened, I am really suffering and completely angry," and continued, "We are tired ... We must continue the peaceful expression of injustice and the demand for recognition of responsibilities."
In the latest documentary "The Last Dance", Jordan appeared in his professional career refusing to engage or comment on political issues such as boxing champion Muhammad Ali, preferring to focus on his mission in stadiums "I was not a politician when I was playing. I focused on my profession. Were I selfish? Maybe. But my energy was over there. "
Floyd´s death has rekindled the anger many have long felt about police violence against African Americans, and sparked a wave of civil unrest unlike any other in the United States since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
American media reported that the police arrested nearly 10,000 people during the demonstrations across the country in recent days.
The marches demanding justice for all races expanded to reach other countries in the world.
Three of the four police officers who arrested Floyd on charges of using a fake banknotes appeared in court for the first time on charges of complicity in his death. A bail of $ 1 million was set for each of them.
As for the fourth policeman, Derek Chauvin, who installed him on the ground, he was charged with second degree murder while he appeared before the judge last week.
