Michael Jordan pledges Sh10 billion donation in fight for racial equality after George Floyd death

In this Feb. 24, 2020, file photo, former NBA player Michael Jordan reacts while speaking during a celebration of life for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in Los Angeles. Jordan is "deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry." With protesters taking to the streets across the United States again Sunday, May 31, Jordan released a statement on George Floyd and the killings of black people at the hands of police. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

Michael Jordan and his company have pledged to donate $100million (£79million) over the next 10 years to organisations engaged in the fight for racial equality and social justice.

The announcement comes after several days of protests in the United States and further afield following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota last week.

In a statement, the Jordan Brand said: "Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country's institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people.

"Today, we are announcing that Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand will be donating 100 million over the next 10 years to organisations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education."

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion who led the Chicago Bulls' dynasty in the 1990s, is a Basketball Hall of Famer who owns the Charlotte Hornets.

His statement added: "The Jordan Brand is us, the black community. Jordan Brand is more than one man. It has always been a family.

"We represent a proud family that has overcome obstacles, fought against discrimination in communities worldwide and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and the damage of injustice.

"The will, the work, the excellence the world has come to know is the result of one generation after another, pouring their dreams into the next.

"It's 2020, and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life. Yet as much as things have changed, the worst remains the same."

The 57-year-old Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, has been back in the headlines in recent weeks following the hugely popular documentary series 'The Last Dance' about his final championship season.

Earlier this week, Jordan voiced outrage over the Floyd incident, saying he was "truly pained and plain angry" and that he stood with those "calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country."