In 2020, Nike, Converse, Jordan Brand and Michael Jordan committed a combined $140 million over 10 years to invest in and support organizations focused on economic empowerment, education, and social justice to address racial inequality for Black Americans. In regards to said commitment, four Memphis-based organizations have been chosen to receive additional funding in 2021!
In partnership with the National Urban League, the rollout of $2.75 million in Black Community Commitment investments will go to to organizations in seven U.S. cities, including the following four in Memphis:
RISE Foundation: funding will provide support for the Rise Foundation’s Save Up program, a matched savings account to economically empower low-wage workers in managing their income, improving their credit and purchasing assets or attending post-secondary education. It will also support the Goal Card program teaching public school students financial and life goals. A NIKE teammate serves on the Board of Directors. ($75,000)
Memphis Urban League: will enable the Memphis Urban League to increase the capacity in their Save Our Sons program, a workforce and life skills training program that focuses on juvenile detainees in the Juvenile Detention Center, those in the District Attorney’s office, as well as others participating with other non-profit partners in re-entry programs. A NIKE teammate serves on the Board of Directors. ($50,000)
Bridges: Our grant will provide the opportunity for students in 8th-12th grade to advance social justice issues through community organizing as well as promote diversity appreciation and equal rights for all. ($75,000)
Stax Music Academy: Will provide the Stax Music Academy the capacity to expand their program that prepares graduates for post-primary success regardless of path, whether attending college or entering the music workforce. Each young artist will understand how to make a living in the music industry. In 20 years, the Stax Academy has graduated over 4,000 students who can be heard around the world, teaching, performing, recording, producing and more at the highest levels of the music industry. ($50,000)
