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George Floyd death: Michael Jordan and his Nike-backed brand vow to donate $100m to fight racial inequality

The promise comes five days after the basketball legend spoke out about the death of George Floyd and racism in America.

Basketball legend Michael Jordan
Image: Basketball legend Michael Jordan said 'we have had enough' when it comes to racism 'toward people of colour' in the US
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Michael Jordan and his Nike-backed Jordan brand have pledged to donate $100m (拢79m) during the next 10 years to organisations engaged in the fight for racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.

The promise comes five days after Jordan said "we have had enough" when it comes to "the ingrained racism and violence toward people of colour" in the United States.

In a joint statement, the company and the 57-year-old basketball legend said: "Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement.

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"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."

It follows the death of George Floyd last week in Minneapolis after a police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 note in a shop.

Who was George Floyd?
Who was George Floyd?

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, spoke out about the 46-year-old's death and the killings of black people at the hands of police earlier this week.

He described feeling "deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry".

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"I see and feel everyone's pain, outrage and frustration," he said.

"I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of colour in our country. We have had enough."

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Mr Floyd was in handcuffs when police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe.

The officer was initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter four days later. Those charges were upgraded to second-degree murder.

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Three other police officers who were present during the arrest - J Alexander Kueng, Tou Thao and Thomas Lane - have been charged as accomplices.

Former sporting star Jordan is the owner of the Charlotte Hornets.

The Jordan Brand is a subsidiary of Nike, which on Friday committed $40m ($31.6m) over the next four years to support the black community.