UNC Basketball: Michael Jordan Speaks out on violence

Michael Jordan is the face of the basketball program for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

You can make a good case that he is the face of the NBA. His accolades in the NBA are second to none. Due to his stardom, Jordan is one of the most beloved athletes on this Earth as well as one of the most hated.

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Jordan receives criticism based on his level of success. Today, Jordan had enough of being silent on societal issues. Jordan spoke out against police brutality against Blacks and violence against police officers.

Jordan gave ESPN’s ‘The Undefeated‘ the following statement:

"“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.“Over the past three decades I have seen up close the dedication of the law enforcement officers who protect me and my family. I have the greatest respect for their sacrifice and service. I also recognize that for many people of color their experiences with law enforcement have been different than mine. 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.“To support that effort, I am making contributions of $1 million each to two organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s newly established Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The Institute for Community-Police Relations’ policy and oversight work is focused on building trust and promoting best practices in community policing. My donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s oldest civil rights law organization, will support its ongoing work in support of reforms that will build trust and respect between communities and law enforcement. 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.“We are privileged to live in the world’s greatest country – a country that has provided my family and me the greatest of opportunities. The problems we face didn’t happen overnight and they won’t be solved tomorrow, but if we all work together, we can foster greater understanding, positive change and create a more peaceful world for ourselves, our children, our families and our communities.”"

Jordan also stated that he will donate $2 million to aid the community and police relations:

Despite making this statement today, some people continue to criticize Jordan for his stance on important social issues.

Michael Jordan cannot win for losing. Yes, Michael Jordan is rich, he should not bear the burden of representing Black America.

If he chooses not to speak up against certain things, then he has every right to do.

Jordan’s lack of speaking out on social ills does not constitute his lack of support towards the Black community, or towards police. Maybe he is shy or keeps to himself.

What matters is that Jordan spoke NOW. He chose to make a stance. Moreover, there is a great deal of things that Jordan does behind the scenes that many people are unaware of.

Before you vilify him, read his statement and get encouraged to stand for what’s right as well.

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