Michael Jordan Donates $2 Million to Help Police and African-Americans Find Common Ground

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, moved to add his voice and money to help end the circle of fatal violence that has encompassed African-Americans and police, has donated $2 million to the NAACP and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

"I can no longer stay silent," Jordan said.

Jordan explained why in a lengthy statement posted Monday to TheUndefeated.com, an ESPN platform for discussion of race, sports and culture.

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.

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. ...

Jordan is giving $1 million to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and $1 million to The Institute for Community-Police Relations, a new group started by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

In 1993, Jordan's father, James R. Jordan Sr., was murdered by two men in North Carolina. He was taking a nap by the roadside during a long trip when the men shot him and stole his car. They were later captured and are serving life sentences.

IACP President Terrence Cunningham told TheUndefeated the institute works to bring communities and police together to understand bias in police work and the role officers need to play in keeping communities safe.

“What an opportunity for Michael Jordan to do this and help raise the discussion between police and the members of the communities they serve," Cunningham said.

Jordan's donation will go toward the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund.

“We’re surprised and shocked, but obviously thrilled,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, director of the Legal Defense Fund, told TheUndefeated.

Jordan adds his voice to a growing cadre of sports figures who are speaking out and getting involved in what's happening between black communities and police departments.

LeBron James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade stood together at the opening of this year's ESPYS awards and spoke about gun violence, racial justice, policing and the deaths of several black men during interactions with police. They spoke of violence in Chicago, the Dallas police officer murders, and the massacre in Orlando.

"Let's go back to our communities," James said, speaking to black athletes specifically, "and invest our time, our resources, help rebuild them, help strengthen them, help change them. We all have to do better."

For much of his life, including his time as an NBA superstar for the Bulls, Jordan has remained silent on social issues. That reluctance to speak on civil and human rights has earned him criticism from other black athletes.

"He took commerce over conscience," Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said of Jordan in 2015. "That's unfortunate for him, but he's got to live with it."

Jordan, apparently, has decided he cannot be silent this time on an issue that deeply divides the nation.

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.

On Tuesday morning, MJ's gesture earned him praise from at least one black athlete, Reggie Jackson, Mr. October, another legend of the game who knows how to come through in the clutch.

Photo credit: Bryan Horowitz