Killer Mike Challenges Michael Jordan To Use His Sneaker Sales To Invest In Black-Owned Banks

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One’s got to hand it to Killer Mike. He’s really taking a lead on celebrity activism. He’s not only saying what needs to be done and providing a blueprint on how to do it, he’s challenging people directly to put their money where their mouth is. After having a huge influence on the number of new accounts opened at Citizens Trust Bank, the oldest African-American bank in the country, he’s trying to get the newly “woke” Michael Jordan to increase his role in the movement.

Mike went to Instagram to ask Michael Jordan to take the money from an upcoming Jordan sneaker release and put it into Citizens Trust. “Dear MJ23,” he starts. “On the behalf of black people and cops (I have loved ones who are both) thanks for the million dollars to the NAACP & Police Orgs. Now we wud like to Challenge you to send the profits of this Olympic Jordan Drop Into a Black Financial Institution.” The ATLien believes that if Jordan does this “other Players will follow. I’m sure Jim Brown, Kareem and Bill Russell will agree. Love ya man. U truly were/are the greatest.”

Obviously, there’s no guarantee that Michael Jordan’s actions will compel others to do the same. While Jordan’s shoes are extremely popular and his legacy is written in blood, there are folks that were skeptical of him donating money to the Institute for Community-Police Relations. Kevin Blackistone was one of those people and he expressed his thoughts on ESPN’s Around The Horn, per Atlanta Black Star.

ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm hard-pressed to believe that you are emotionally moved by the extra-judicial killing of Black men in this country and then cut a check to the police,ÔÇØ Blackistone concludes. ÔÇ£The police are not in need of funding ÔǪ The city of Baltimore has paid out nearly $12 million in settlements for police brutality lawsuits between 2010-14 ÔǪBlackistone also says that money could be better put to use by the Black Lives Matter movement to create a legal arm. The commentator points out that Jordan has real influence and can change things if he wants to.”

Up until he made the donation, the NBA legend’s silence on black issues had been deafening. Considering that silence, and the fact he chose to donate money to the police who aren’t exactly lacking for funding, it was only right that someone raised an objection. But, it’s never too late to do the right thing.

If Michael Jordan truly feels like he wants to make a difference and he’s looking for a way how, he should take Killer Mike’s suggestion. It’s anyone’s guess if Jordan’s actions could compel others to follow suit. Still, in celebrity-obsessed America, it might very well start another mass wave of cash into black owned banks or be a setup for more Michael Jordan memes.

On the other hand, the former Bulls player has already done enough. And by “enough” I mean, he didn’t have to do anything at all. When pressing for celebrity activism, people should keep in mind that they’re not obligated to take action. Pushing for celebrities to speak on these topics don’t always yield the results people want. Ask A$AP Rocky.

Killer Mike Challenges Michael Jordan To Use His Sneaker Sales To Invest In Black-Owned Banks : UPROXX