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$2.1 billion worth Michael Jordan’s $100 million spending on social justice shows he is more than mansions and cars

Achyuth Jayagopal
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$2.1 billion worth Michael Jordan’s $100 million spending on social justice shows he is more than mansions and cars

Michael Jordan is one of the most identifiable faces in the world.

MJ and his famed Jordan Brand products are part of the cultural fabric of sports fandom. The former NBA Champion with the Bulls and his Air Jordans burst into the scene in 1984.

Jordan instantly became one of the faces of the NBA and was a huge factor in the growing global popularity of the NBA in the 90s. His Airness truly established himself amongst the pantheon of all-time greats during the 90s.

Also read: “It looked like Michael Jordan was glowing!”: 6′ Allen Iverson’s heartfelt tribute to Bulls idol in his Hall of Fame induction speech

With Jordan’s rising popularity came the money and the responsibilities associated with it too. Jordan became the first NBA Billionaire, largely thanks to Jordan brand, and got accustomed to a regal life.

MJ’s mansion in Chicago is estimated to be worth around $29 million and the most expensive car in his very expensive collection is considered worth around $3 million. Talk about living it large.

This lifestyle and his apolitical nature have often been linked. Michael Jordan has met with considerable criticism for not making a political stance and making use of his influence in society.

When did Michael Jordan finally buck the trend of being apolitical?

However, more recently, circumstances have demanded that even Michael Jordan be political. In 2020, George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. The event sent shockwaves across the world and triggered the Black Lives Matter movement.

The incident also marked a point of change in MJs life.

In MJ’s words, this was a “tipping point”. Such instances could not be allowed to repeat. In the aftermath of this incident, MJ pledged $100 million vide Jordan Brand to improving “racial equality, social justice, and greater access to education”.

While it took an incident of this magnitude, MJ’s generous contribution is noteworthy. How the money shall be distributed however is unknown.

Michael Jordan called his action an important start. MJ emphasized on the importance of effort to make such a social movement successful too.

In Jordan’s words, education is 110% part of the solution. This could see a considerable chunk of the donation be moved to the education system.

However critical one may be of Michael Jordan’s apolitical nature, this act of generosity could spark a change. Someone of Jordan’s influence can impact the scenario in multiple ways.

One can only hope that this marks a breath of fresh air in the political scenario concerning racism in America.

Also read: $50 million worth Charles Barkley’s strategy for tipping waiters is completely different than Billionaire Michael Jordan’s

About the author

Achyuth Jayagopal

Achyuth Jayagopal

Achyuth Jayagopal is a creative writer with The Sportsrush. After previous freelance dabbles in the industry, Achyuth has authored over 300 pieces for TSR. Having followed the game of basketball for a considerable period, he pledges his allegiance to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Beyond speaking his mind on all things basketball, Achyuth is a Sports and Gaming Lawyer who is an ardent Chelsea fan and takes a shine to the culinary world and travelling too.

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