Retired Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand have committed to donating $2.5 million to organizations with the sole focus of combating suppression of Black voters.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) and the Formerly Incarcerated and Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM) will each receive $1 million and Black Voters Matter will receive $500,000.
“I’m all in with Jordan Brand, the Jordan family and our partners, who share a commitment to address the historical inequality that continues to plague Black communities in the U.S.,” Jordan said.
He added, “There is a long history of oppression against Black Americans that holds us back from full participation in American society. We understand that one of the main ways we can change systemic racism is at the polls. We know it will take time for us to create the change we want to see, but we are working quickly to take action for the Black community’s voice to be heard.”
Commitment to action.
— Jordan (@Jumpman23) July 29, 2020
Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand are committed to impacting the lives of the Black Community and eliminating systemic racism and Black voter suppression.@NAACP_LDF @ficpfm @BlackVotersMtr
The statement explains more about each of the organizations and why they have been chosen to receive funding.
It claims Black Voters Matter has succeeded in supporting policies providing for more access to the ballot which includes restoring the right to vote to Americans who have been incarcerated along with the development of organizations encouraging Black voters to vote.
The statement notes FICPFM helps formerly incarcerated Americans achieve voter registration eligibility requirements.
LDF, founded by Thurgood Marshall, was chosen as it employs resources to achieve its mission of obtaining racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society. It also works to expand democracy and eliminate disparities.
As the presidential election approaches, the issue of voter suppression has become a more prominent topic of debate.
President Donald Trump has received harsh criticism for what some are calling an attempt to dissuade Americans from voting.
Former President Barack Obama slammed Trump on Thursday for his criticism of mail-in voting, as IJR previously reported.
