Basketball legend Michael Jordan donates $5 million to National Museum of African American History and Culture

NBA Legend Michael Jordan has donated $5 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, museum officials announced Monday.

 

The monetary gift is the largest from a sports figure/personality to the museum. It pushes private donations to the museum to $278 million. Jordan, 53, also gave a jersey that he wore during the 1996 NBA Finals to the museum’s permanent collection.

 

Including aid from the federal government, the museum, which President Obama will open September 24, has raised more than $548 million.

In recognition of the gifts, the museum will name a section of its sports gallery the Michael Jordan Hall.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to support this museum,” Jordan said in a statement. I also am indebted to the historic contributions of community leaders and athletes such as Jesse Owens, whose talent, commitment and perseverance broke racial barriers and laid the groundwork for the successful careers of so many African Americans in athletics and beyond.”

Museum Founding Director Lonnie G. Bunch III expressed gratitude for the contribution.

 “His gift will enable our visitors to explore how sports were used to break barriers as a way to gain full participation in American society,” Bunch said in a statement.

Jordan, regarded as one of the greatest Basketball players of all time,played 15 seasons in the NBA, and won six championships with the Chicago Bulls and two Olympic medals. He's one of the richest sportsmen alive.