News Digest

‘I can no longer stay silent’: basketball icon Jordan speaks out over gun violence

Michael Jordan has finally spoken out about racial tensions in America in hopes of easing conflicts between blacks and law enforcement. The NBA great and Charlotte Hornets owner announced he is giving $1 million to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and another $1 million to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The aim is to help build trust following several shootings around the country. “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,” Jordan said in a statement.

I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.

Michael Jordan

Jordan’s father was killed in 1993 in a botched carjacking in North Carolina. Daniel Green and his friend Larry Demery were convicted of killing 56-year-old James Jordan along U.S. 74 and dumping his body in South Carolina. Both were sentenced to life in prison. The high-profile Jordan has been notoriously silent over the years when it comes to his opinions on politics or social justice issues, which has drawn some criticism. But he said Monday he “can no longer stay silent” on the issue. Spike Lee tweeted: “DO NOT SLEEEP ON MJ.” NBA player Jared Dudley tweeted: “There u go MJ.” Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and became one of the most popular and respected basketball players in the world.

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