Michael Jordan: "I Can No Longer Stay Silent" On Shootings Of African-Americans And Police

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has issued a statement on the recent shootings of African-Americans and the targeting of police officers.

Not only did the GOAT issue a statement condemning the acts of violence, he is also donating $1 Million dollars to the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s newly established Institute for Community-Police Relations and $1 Million dollars to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Jordan:

“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."

“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. The Institute for Community-Police Relations’ policy and oversight work is focused on building trust and promoting best practices in community policing. My donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s oldest civil rights law organization, will support its ongoing work in support of reforms that will build trust and respect between communities and law enforcement. 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."

Read the full statement here.

Read more: http://power1051.iheart.com/onair/angie-martinez-54909/michael-jordan-i-can-no-longer-14940789/#ixzz4FS5KHgBP