Michael Jordan: 'I can no longer stay silent' on violence in America

Michael Jordan released a statement on Monday in response to the
shootings of African-Americans and the targeting of police officers.
"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
wrote in a one-page letter for The Undefeated. "I grieve with the families
who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well."
In his statement Jordan announced a pair of
$1m donations to groups dedicated toward
improving relations between police and the
community: the recently established
Institute for Community-Police Relations
and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the
nation's oldest civil rights law organization.
Added Jordan: "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.
"Over the past three decades I have seen up
close the dedication of the law enforcement
officers who protect me and my family. I
have the greatest respect for their sacrifice
and service. I also recognize that for many
people of color their experiences with law
enforcement have been different than mine. I have decided to speak out
in the hope that we can come together as Americans, and through
peaceful dialogue and education, achieve constructive change."
The remarks are especially noteworthy given Jordan's well-documented
reticence to speak on political issues. But with violence reaching
epidemic levels on America's streets, more and more athletes have felt
compelled to use their platforms to serve the greater good.
"We are privileged to live in the world's greatest country – a country that
has provided my family and me the greatest of opportunities. The
problems we face didn't happen overnight and they won't be solved
tomorrow, but if we all work together, we can foster greater
understanding, positive change and create a more peaceful world for
ourselves, our children, our families and our communities."