Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand Deliver $1 Million to Communities Fighting Racism

At the heart of the Black Community Commitment, announced by Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand in 2020, is a desire to take action where it is needed most. This vision has been supported by a robust partnership strategy, with grants contributing to the areas of social justice, economic empowerment and education and awareness. Today, Jordan Brand is extending the impact of its Black Community Commitment through a total of $1 million in local community grants to 18 grassroots organizations on the front lines of change.

For generations, the cumulative impact of systemic racism has had a defining impact on the opportunities available to Black communities. Through its annual Community Grants program, Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will champion the work of small organizations delivering locally-relevant solutions designed to reduce inequity, and meet the diverse needs of the Black community in cities large and small across the country.

“Action over words is the foundation of our Black Community Commitment,” says Michael Jordan. “These 18 organizations put action over words every day to make their communities a better place. Each of these groups has demonstrated the courage to make a difference at the local level and I could not be more proud to support the work they are doing.”  

“We received hundreds of applications for Community Grants, and every single one of them was a reminder of the unique impact and powerful personal connections local community efforts can make happen. Making a decision on the first cycle of 18 organizations selected was certainly not easy,” said Craig Williams, President, Jordan Brand. “We are thrilled to not only stand behind them, but based on the volume of applications received, we look forward to continuing to offer this program each year in support of local grassroots efforts that create real, meaningful change for people and communities.”

To qualify for Jordan Brand’s Community Grant, a nonprofit must have a total operating budget of less than $3 million and a track record of success in demonstrating a path to sustainable change. The 18 organizations receiving funding are uniquely positioned to build racial equity in neighborhoods including Oakland, Calif., Cedar Falls, Iowa, Hartford, Conn. and Atlanta.

Hollaback!  New York, New York

Love Now Media  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

RE-Center Race & Equity in Education  Hartford, Connecticut

The Billie Holiday Theatre  Brooklyn, New York

Community Foundation of Greater Flint  Flint, Michigan

Courageous Conversation Global Foundation  Las Vegas, Nevada

1Hood Media  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

1619 Freedom School  Cedar Falls, Iowa

Good Call  Brooklyn, New York

Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice  Oakland, California

Middle Georgia Access to Justice Council  Macon, Georgia

Alliance for Higher Education in Prison  Los Angeles, California

Youth Design Center  Brooklyn, New York

Our Village United  Atlanta, Georgia

Mortar Cincinnati  Cincinnati, Ohio

Revolution Workshop  Northbrook, Illinois

The Alliance for Community Development  Oakland, California 

City Startup Labs  Charlotte, North Carolina

For more information on Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand’s fight to end systemic racism, click here.