Many know the notoriously quiet Michael Jordan as potentially the greatest basketball player of all time, but he has not been known as an outspoken advocate on social issues that affect the Black community. That appeared to change after a statement released to The Undefeated, speaking out against the recent events of violence.
“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,” Jordan writes. “I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.” Jordon also donated $1 million each to two institutions that are on the forefront of rebuilding relationships between law enforcement and the communities that officers serve. Those organizations are Institute for Community-Police Relations, which is a subsidiary of International Association of Chiefs of Police, and NAACP Legal Defense Fund. “Although I know these contributions alone are not enough to solve the problem, I hope the resources will help both organizations make a positive difference,” Jordan explains of the financial gifts.