Growing up in North Carolina, Michael Jordan faced countless challenges on his path to becoming the greatest NBA player of all time.
In a new book, “Michael Jordan: The Life,” written by Roland Lazenby, Jordan opens up about the racism he encountered during his youth and reveals his own struggle with racial resentment.
One incident detailed in the book occurred in 1977 when a girl at Jordan’s school called him a racial slur.
In response, Jordan admits that he threw a soda at her, reflecting his rebellious nature at the time.
He even goes as far as saying that he considered himself a racist and was against all white people.
Lazenby sheds light on the racial dynamics in North Carolina during Jordan’s upbringing.
The state had a strong presence of the Ku Klux Klan, with more members than all the other Southern states combined.
The Klan’s influence was so significant that it even provided uniforms for ball teams and placed Bibles in schools.
However, the violence perpetrated by the Klan prevented them from becoming a chamber of commerce.
It was Jordan’s mother who played a pivotal role in changing his perspective.
She convinced him that a life consumed by racial hatred was not the way to live.
Additionally, Jordan gained a deeper understanding of race relations after watching the miniseries “Roots.”
Jordan, now the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, has not shied away from speaking out against racism.
When the tape of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling making racist comments surfaced, Jordan swiftly expressed his disgust.
He stated that there is no place for such sickening and offensive views in the NBA or anywhere else.
As a league where the majority of players are African-American, discrimination cannot be tolerated.
This public stance surprised many, as Jordan has been known for being reluctant to take stands on issues in the past.
However, Lazenby explains that behind the spotlight, Jordan has always lived an open life when it comes to matters of race.
As the first former player to own a team, Jordan understands the importance of timing and the significance of his words.
Lazenby recalls writing about race in 1984, highlighting how blacks could be excluded from juries simply because of their race.
During an interview for the series, a black official mentioned the importance of having at least one representative in the room to prevent the perpetuation of racist behavior.
This anecdote exemplifies the influence one person can have in challenging discriminatory practices.
Michael Jordan’s journey serves as a reminder of the resilience required to overcome racism and prejudice.
His willingness to confront these issues head-on demonstrates the power individuals possess to effect change.
As society continues to strive for equality, it is crucial to acknowledge and address racial dynamics in all aspects, including sports ownership.
