Former NBA star and owner of Charlotte Hornets team Michael Jordan looks on as he addresses a press conference ahead of the NBA basketball match between Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets at The AccorHotels Arena in Paris on January 24, 2020. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
LOS ANGELES —Michael Jordan has donated $2 million of earnings from his “The Last Dance” docuseries to local food banks in the Carolinas and Chicago.
Jordan reportedly made $3 million to $4 million for his participation in the Emmy-winning, 10-part ESPN docuseries detailing his last season with the Chicago Bulls.
“In these challenging times and in a year of unimaginable difficulty due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to pause and give thanks,” Jordan said in a statement on Wednesday.
“I am proud to be donating additional proceeds from ‘The Last Dance’ to Feeding America and its member food banks in the Carolinas and Chicago to help feed America’s hungry.”
Jordan previously announced he would donate all of his earnings from the documentary series to Friends of the Children, a mentorship nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
“An incredible gift to be thankful for – NBA legend Michael Jordan is donating $2 million to help our neighbors facing hunger! #TheLastDance Every action makes a difference. Join Michael & visit https://FeedingAmerica.org/COVID19 to learn how you can donate or volunteer this holiday season,” Feeding America tweeted in response to the gift.
The NBA legend also recently pledged to donate $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to fighting for racial equality.
His donation came five days after he released a statement condemning George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police, writing, “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.”