Michael Bakari Jordan was born on February 9, 1987, in Santa Ana, California, to Donna and Michael A. Jordan. Jordan’s family lived in Santa Ana, CA for 2 years before moving to Newark, NJ where Jordan grew up. He attended Newark Arts High School, where his mother worked, and where he also played basketball. During his time at Newark Arts, Jordan was bullied by other students for his desire to be an actor and model, including by future radio show host Lore’l.
