Michael Jordan announced the grants of $1 million each to two organizations working to build trust between law enforcement and local communities.
The organizations are the Institute for Community-Police Relations, which was launched in May by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, which was established in 1940 to work through the legal system to push for civil rights. It became a separate organization from the NAACP in 1957.
The basketball legend and owners of the Charlotte Hornets disclosed the grants while writing an open letter for ESPN’s The Undefeated about his feelings surrounding the racial issues that are causing strife across the nation.
He said in part, “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…
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.”
The full letter is here.
Jordan is just the latest member of the NBA community to openly talk about the recent violent racial issues in America, as Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade have all voiced their opinion on the matter as well.
The letter also comes as the NBA announced on Friday, July 22, that it had decided to pull the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte, N.C. in response to the controversial bathroom bill in place there.
Nike and Jordan Brand weren’t involved in the grants or the statement.
