NBA legend Michael Jordan has penned a passionate and in-depth look at race in America through his own eyes.
The NBA champion titled his piece, “‘I CAN NO LONGER STAY SILENT,” and takes a hard stance supporting the police, while also addressing grievances within the black community. (RELATED: Clay Travis: ‘Nobody Saves More Lives For Black People Than The Police’ [VIDEO])
He wrote in part:
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.
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.
Jordan is also donating a million dollars to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and another million dollars to the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s newly established Institute for Community-Police Relations.