One thing former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan has avoided throughout his career has been speaking out on social and political issues. Now, that has all changed.
On Monday, Jordan penned a statement for The Undefeated where he opened up about the recent string of African American men being shot by police and police offers being targeted in attacks.
I can no longer stay silent,” he wrote
“As a proud American, a father who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers. I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.
“I was raised by parents who taught me to love and respect people regardless of their race or background, so I am saddened and frustrated by the divisive rhetoric and racial tensions that seem to be getting worse as of late. I know this country is better than that, and I can no longer stay silent. We need to find solutions that ensure people of color receive fair and equal treatment AND that police officers – who put their lives on the line every day to protect us all – are respected and supported.”
It’s nice to see Jordan finally stepping up and using his voice to make a real change.
In addition to his statement, Jordan said he will be donating a total of $2 million to the cause — “contributions of $1 million each to two organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s newly established Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.”
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