NBA legend and former shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan broke his silence in the recent racial and gun-related violence that's currently plaguing the country. In addition to voicing out his opinions, Jordan also pledged over $2 million to organizations that are focused on finding a proper solution.
Jordan published his letter on the ESPN-backed site The Undefeated. Despite his high status career, especially during the reign of Bulls during the 90s, Jordan experienced what it was like to lose someone because of violence.
As noted by ABC, in 1993, just after the Chicago franchise won its third NBA championship, Jordan's father James was shot and killed in North Carolina. The incident happened on July 23 when James was coming home after attending a funeral.
Driving the new car that his son bought for him, James decided to pull over on the U.S. Highway 74 to take a short nap. Two individuals then approached the car and shot James while he was sleeping. They then stole the car and ditched his body in a swamp in South Carolina.
For Jordan, violent acts such as this are the factors that are tearing the country apart.
"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 offers," he wrote.
"I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well," he added.
Jordan then noted that he has decided to donate about $1.3 million each to the Institute for Community-Police Relations of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
According to the former professional athlete and current owner of the Charlotte Hornets, these two organizations are focused on building a better relationship between the law enforcement agencies and the community.
"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 stated.
