Michael Jordan Pens Powerful Op-Ed on Police and African-American Community, Donates $2 Million to Charity
Michael Jordan is speaking out.
The sports icon has penned a powerful op-ed for The Undefeated, speaking out in support of both the African-American community and U.S. 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. I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well," he writes.
"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," he continues. "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."
The 53-year-old went on to share that he would be making two separate $1 million contributions to 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 writes.
Jordan is the latest high-profile star to speak out on the growing #BlackLivesMatter movement. Earlier this month, Kim Kardashian penned a blog post urging fans to "peacefully use the power of our voices."
See what else she said in the player below.
WATCH: Kim Kardashian Pens #BLACKLIVESMATTER Blog Post After Dallas Mass Shooting
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