Michael Jordan pledges $2 million toward building trust between communities and police

Michael Jordan is the latest star from the NBA world to take a stand against social injustice.

And he’s putting his money where his mouth is. The Chicago Bulls legend and Charlotte Hornets owner said in an open letter published by the ESPN platform The Undefeated that he is pledging $2 million to groups working to strengthen the bond between police and their communities.

“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,” Jordan wrote. “To support that effort, I am making 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.”

“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,” he said.

Jordan’s move comes after weeks of tension following the fatal shootings of two African American men by police officers and subsequent shootings of police officers in apparent retaliation.

“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. “I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.”

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has planned a meeting with leaders and community members in Los Angeles for an open discussion of recent events. Some WNBA players and teams have been wearing warmup jerseys that bring awareness to the issues.

It is notable that Jordan has joined the fray. He has been criticized through the years, particularly as a player, for a lack of willingness to speak out on sensitive topics.

“I am saddened and frustrated by the divisive rhetoric and racial tensions that seem to be getting worse as of late,” Jordan wrote. “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.

ALSO

John Oliver: The Republican convention was a ‘four-day exercise in emphasizing feelings over fact’

A father’s tough love mixed with a son’s talent puts boxer Carlos Balderas in the Olympics

‘Respect is key’: The Game, Snoop Dogg lead march to LAPD headquarters, meet with Chief Charlie Beck