It’s been 45 years since Michael Jordan was a student at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. But his memories of high school came back fresh when he spoke to one of his former teachers, bringing a big smile to her face. 

Ms. Etta, who worked as a Transportation Coordinator at Laney High School, is receiving hospice care at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. According to the hospital's Facebook post, as she counted her favorite memories, Jordan’s name kept coming up. One of Ms. Etta’s wishes on her bucket list was to hug Jordan.

Wendy, one of the LifeCare social workers, started trying to reach Jordan to help Ms. Etta fulfill her wish. After several tries, Wendy finally received a call from an unknown number.

“Is this, Ms. Etta?” asked the voice of the Bulls legend.

Wendy was home in the evening, back from her work. But she immediately drove to the hospital so that she could facilitate a FaceTime between Ms Etta and her former student.

“They laughed, reminisced, picked at each other, and shared a moment that brought tears to everyone in the room,” the post from the hospital said.

“A memory her family will carry with them forever.”

The Bulls legend was laughing throughout the call, and it is apparent from the pictures shared on social media.

Jordan’s life since leaving college has been largely painted as a fierce competitor with a demeanor that many feared in the NBA. Beneath his fierce competitive exterior lies a deep commitment to philanthropy. 

Michael Jordan's Philanthropic Contributions Changed Lives

Jordan rarely seeks media attention for his philanthropy as he prefers to give back quietly. Over the years, he has made donations and built affordable hospitals for better and more affordable care.

One of them was in 2024. The Bulls legend donated $17 million to Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics for better access to healthcare for families in Wilmington, North Carolina.

During his emotional speech, Jordan broke down, recalling his connection to home, living with his mother and late father. 

“This is home,” Jordan said, wiping his tears. “This is where I come from, and no matter how you see Michael Jordan. This is where I started. This is where I’m always gonna be a part of.”

This was just one of the many donations Jordan has made. In 2023, on his 60th birthday, Jordan donated $10 million to Make-A-Wish America. It was the largest donation by any individual in 43 years of the organization’s history.

He is the founding donor of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington and donated $5 million in 2016. The Bulls legend donated his entire salary from the 2001-02 season with the Washington Wizards to 9/11-related charities.

What do you think of Michael Jordan's hefty contributions to the betterment of society? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Surjo Ray