Michael Jordan, the basketball GOAT and highest paid athlete of all time, has solidified his status as an influential figure beyond the world of sports.
Recently, he donated $5 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, making him the museum's top private donor.
This generous contribution follows his $2 million donation to two social justice organizations and his public statement addressing police brutality, which broke his long-standing silence on the issue.
While reflecting on social media posts and news articles, it became clear to me that Michael Jordan is the most famous person in the world.
Despite not being Barack Obama or popular celebrities like Kimye, Taylor Swift, or Drake, Jordan's name is synonymous with basketball.
He revolutionized the game, captivating an entire generation of NBA fans and consumers with his exceptional athleticism and skill set.
Mention the number 23, and his name immediately comes to mind.
Countless aspiring basketball players spend hours on the court, hoping to emulate his greatness.
However, despite his immense fame and influence, Jordan's involvement in social activism has been lacking, adding complexity to his relationship with race.
Jordan grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, during a time when the Ku Klux Klan had a strong presence, with the state serving as its headquarters for the second wave.
The white supremacist group directly supplied Jordan's town with school books, team jerseys, and even playground equipment.
As detailed in sportswriter Roland Lazenby's biography, “Michael Jordan: The Life,” Jordan experienced racism firsthand when a white classmate called him a racial slur during his teenage years.
In response, the 14-year-old threw a can of soda at her and faced suspension.
These encounters fueled his animosity towards white people, and he admitted to considering himself a racist at that time.
Despite these early experiences, Jordan managed to overcome his racial prejudice and anger while pursuing a basketball career.
His journey began with being cut from the basketball team in ninth grade, but he went on to dominate high school basketball in his last three seasons, earning a scholarship to the University of North Carolina.
This paved the way for his remarkable college career, followed by his selection as the third overall draft pick by the Chicago Bulls in 1987.
Through his basketball prowess, Jordan gained respect and adoration from those he once shared mutual hatred with.
An often overlooked aspect of Jordan's life is the tragic murder of his father, James Jordan Sr., at a rest stop a month after the Chicago Bulls won their third consecutive championship.
The perpetrators were swiftly arrested, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison.
Losing his father to gun violence provided Jordan with a personal connection to the issue.
It is worth noting that the justice system worked for him during this challenging time.
Since his days of superstardom at the University of North Carolina, Jordan has not experienced a typical black person's struggles.
Jordan's brand, particularly his coveted line of sneakers, has achieved immense popularity.
People line up for hours, sometimes even days, to purchase the newest pair of J's.
However, the inner-city neighborhoods where these sneakers are highly sought after have also witnessed acts of violence, with individuals being beaten or killed over them.
Despite this, Jordan continues to sell his sneakers without addressing the broader race issues.
Rapper Killer Mike recently called on him to donate proceeds from sneaker sales to black-owned banks, and numerous influential figures and members of Black Twitter have criticized Jordan for his silence on racial matters.
It is worth mentioning that Jordan allegedly responded with “Republicans buy shoes too” when asked to support a Democratic nominee aiming to unseat a conservative senator who opposed federal integration policy in the '90s.
Consequently, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar criticized Jordan for prioritizing commerce over conscience.
However, when former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling made racist comments and attacked Earvin “Magic” Johnson personally in 2014, Jordan felt compelled to speak up.
Sterling was banned from the NBA for life and forced to sell his team after his derogatory remarks about associating with a black man.
Jordan expressed his outrage and emphasized that the NBA would not tolerate discrimination in any form.
While Jordan defended Magic, he has been known to exhibit a sense of superiority towards other black celebrities whom he deems insignificant.
There are rumors of him dismissing rapper Chamillionaire, using foul language when the rapper purchased one of Jordan's vintage jerseys for $7,000 at an auction.
Similar treatment is said to have been given to legendary rappers Redman and Method Man at a release party in 2002, with Jordan choosing to engage only with mogul Jay Z.
It appears that net worth determines who can interact with him.
When the National Museum of African American History and Culture opens in September, Michael Jordan will be honored alongside sports legends like Jesse Owens.
It is commendable that Jordan has finally taken steps to address racial issues and has used his financial resources to contribute.
Shifting the black historical narrative is as crucial as effecting current societal change, and Jordan's involvement is pivotal.
However, it must be acknowledged that many, including Carmelo Anthony, believe it is long overdue.
While we should appreciate Jordan's recent actions, we should not be satisfied.
With his influence over consumers, shareholders, and sports enthusiasts, there are opportunities for him to promote educational and economic empowerment for black people.
It is important for Jordan to continue using his platform and to move away from an elitist mentality focused solely on protecting his brand.
Ultimately, I am glad that Michael Jordan has finally joined the conversation we have all been waiting for.
