Giving Back: Michael Jordan Makes Historic $5 Million Donation To The National Museum Of African American History
Fresh off a couple of $1 million donations to help bridge the gap between police and communities, Michael Jordan has pledged an additional $5 million to the National Museum Of African American History and Culture.
The generous offering to the museum is the largest they’ve ever received from a professional sports figure.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to support this museum,” Jordan said in a statement. “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.”
“His gift will enable our visitors to explore how sports were used to break barriers as a way to gain full participation in American society,” The Museum’s founding director, Lonnie G. Bunch III said in a statement.
Additionally, Jordan also gave the museum one of his Bulls jerseys that he wore during the 1996 NBA Finals, which will be added to the museum’s permanent collection.
In recognition of MJ’s gifts, the National Museum Of African American History will be naming a section of their sports gallery the Michael Jordan Hall.
According to the Washington Post, the inaugural exhibition in that space will include artifacts from 17 “game-changing” athletes, including tennis player Althea Gibson, track-and-field great Jesse Owens, and MJ.
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