The National Museum of African American History and Culture revealed on Monday that it received a $5 million donation from Michael Jordan. According to the Washington Post, it is the largest amount of money ever donated to the museum by a sports figure. The museum will recognize his contribution by naming a section of their sports gallery after him.
Last month, Jordan released a statement following the police shootings involving Alton Sterling and Philando Castile explaining why he could no longer stay silent. "The problems we face didn’t happen overnight and they won’t be solved tomorrow," he said. "But if we all work together, we can foster greater understanding, positive change and create a more peaceful world for ourselves, our children, our families and our communities."
MJ also donated $1 million each to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. While he acknowledges that the money will not resolve the issue, Jordan hopes that these organizations could use these funds towards making a "positive difference."
Jordan's most recent contribution must echo the same sentiment. The National Museum of African American History and Culture looks to highlight African American culture and how it has shaped the world, as well as detail their history through the years. "I am grateful for the opportunity to support this museum," he said in a statement, per the Washington Post. "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."
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