Retired basketball
megastar Michael Jordan says he can no longer sit on the sidelines amid rising
tension between minorities and police.
"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," the five-time NBA MVP said Monday in a
statement to ESPN's The Undefeated. "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."
Jordan said he was
donating $1 million apiece to two organizations working for closer ties between
authorities and the communities they serve.
The Undefeated on
Monday said the first grant would go to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, which
pushes for civil rights using the legal system.
The other
contribution would benefit the Institute for Community-Police Relations, it
added, which was launched in May by the International Association of Chiefs of
Police.
"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," Jordan said.
"The problems
we face didn't happen overnight and they won't solved tomorrow, but if we wall
work together, we can foster greater understanding, positive change and create
a more peaceful world for ourselves, our children, our families and our communities,"
the former Chicago Bulls star added.
Reference:MSN
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