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Michael Jordan 'can no longer stay silent' on U.S. racial divide

By The Sports Xchange
Michael Jordan is speaking out about the racial divide in America. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI
Michael Jordan is speaking out about the racial divide in America. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

Michael Jordan broke a longstanding silence and spoke out Monday on police shootings and mounting racial tension across the United States.

Jordan, the Chicago Bulls legend and Hall of Famer, said he will donate $1 million to the International Association of Chiefs of Police's Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

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In a statement to The Undefeated, Jordan 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."

The Charlotte Hornets' owner has a reputation for being reserved when it comes to social issues, despite that his father was murdered while sleeping in his car in 1993.

But the spate of officer-involved killings and targeting of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., provoked Jordan to take a public stand against the violence.

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"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."

Legal Defense Fund president and director Sherrilyn Ifill is grateful that Jordan took a big step forward and spoke out.

"It is an act of true leadership that Mr. Jordan has chosen to use his stature to. We are grateful for this support, which will allow us to deepen our engagement on the issue of policing reform at this critical time in our country."

Jordan was realistic that $2 million is just a drop in the bucket, but maybe his effort will kick-start others to do the same.

"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 wrote.

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Even though Jordan has been criticized and reticent to speak out or against other social issues, his voice was heard loud and clear when it came to Donald Sterling, the former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.

"As an owner, I'm obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views. ... As a former player, I'm completely outraged," Jordan said at the time.

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