Michael Jordan has announced he is donating $1 million to two separate organizations in response to the recent violence involving both the shooting of innocent black civilians and the targeting of Police in revenge style attacks. Some are saying he has finally entered the conversation.
Jordan has come under fire in the past for not commenting on politics.
Since making his statement, he has been attacked by various people. African-American sports journalist Jason Whitlock called it “PR” and said he was just managing his “brand”. Others have agreed, saying it is about time and inauthentic.
Twitter has had some even more cynical responses,
"Stop killing my customers!!!"
-Michael Jordan
— Negus Wit Aptitude (@jibranum1) July 26, 2016
Michael Jordan gave a fifth of one percent, of his net worth to charity today. I’ll match his generosity, by donating $4.00 of my own ?
— Piers Moreton (@FestivelyPlump) July 26, 2016
Part of Jordan’s statement via the undefeated is following:-
“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.”
He also said
“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.
His charity has not only been met with negative comments,
Change happens when one American at a time can no longer stay silent. Thank you Michael Jordan for speaking up! https://t.co/YC0YqFcLvL
— Valerie Jarrett (@vj44) July 25, 2016
Also in his defense, Wilbon says Jordan’s seeming inactivity can be explained in two ways. Firstly Jordan was a different person 25 years ago. Secondly, that in the past Jordan has spoken and acted privately with regard to causes and charity. WATCH Wilbon’s explanation here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flNYeWaazWw
Image is a screengrab from YouTube.
