Michael Jordan Receives Jackie Robinson Foundation Award

Jet, April 3, 2000

Basketball legend Michael Jordan was recently honored by the Jackie Robinson Foundation for his humanitarian efforts during the organization's annual awards gala in New York City.

Legendary entertainer Bill Cosby was master of ceremonies for the gala, held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

In accepting the Robie Award for Humanitarianism, Jordan expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Rachel Robinson, widow of famed baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. He thanked the Robinsons for "paving the way for someone of my stature."

Jordan added, "I feel an obligation to give back. One way of doing that is by supporting Rachel and the foundation."

He announced that he and his wife, Juanita, will contribute $100,000 to the Foundation to establish an endowed college scholarship. Through the M&J Foundation, the sponsor of the award, a scholarship will be given every four years to a talented minority high school senior.

Jordan was saluted for his charitable works, which include establishing the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club and Family Life Center in Chicago and the Jordan Institute for Families at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his alma mater.

Also honored during the foundation's dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel was Katharine Graham, the former publisher of The Washington Post and chairperson of the executive committee of The Washington Post Company, who received the Robie Award for Achievement in Industry. She is the first woman to receive the Robie Award for Achievement in Industry.

The foundation was established in 1973 and awards college scholarships to gifted minority students. The foundation is currently supporting 215 JR Scholars who attend 71 colleges and universities.