Earlier this week, basketball superstar Michael Jordan, spoke out in an open letter about the gun violence that has been taking place across the U.S. specifically amongst African-Americans killed by police officers. In the letter, Jordan simply stated I can no longer stay silent, he also offered to donate $2 million dollars to help fight the cause, $1 million to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and $1 million to the International Association of Chief's of Police's Institute for Community-Police Relations. While this is a very noble act, many are wondering what took His Airness so long to speak out against something that has been happening for years. Even some of Jordan's biggest fans took to their social media pages to react to him breaking his silence.
It was just a short time ago when the youth were killing each other over a pair of his Air Jordan sneakers and never once did the basketball icon utter a word publicly about it. I oftentimes heard cries from people who wished Jordan would address the youth, hoping that maybe if these kids heard something from their favorite basketball player, it would make them stop the violence. After all, kids were literally dying to be in his shoes... didn't that mean anything to him?
Chicagoans have also wondered why Jordan never put more youth centers around the city. There's the James Jordan Boys and Girls Club located on Chicago's west side... but that seems to be the only one of it's kind. I don't know but it just seems like Mr. Jordan should have been all over the city giving back to Chicago's inner city youth but instead he kept a tight lid year after year. Yet, these are the same kids who want to Be Like Mike.
In his open letter, Michael Jordan expressed how he grieves with the families of the slain victims stating I know their pain all to well, as he too lost a loved one when his father, James Jordan, was shot and killed in 1993. He also spoke about racial tensions and police officers who have become targets of gun violence. Again, it is very good to hear him talk about something other than Ballpark hotdogs and Hanes underwear. But what truly disgusts me is everyone wants to speak up when the boys in blue get hurt but kids doing drugs and toting guns in the neighborhoods just doesn't matter as much. Now, don't get me wrong, I have police officers in my family so without a doubt I think cop killing is very wrong and it needs to stop. But the role models- who never want the responsibility of being a role model- don't speak when they should.
In regard to the violence against the police, Jordan said 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. Well, I'm sure Mr. Jordan has seen their dedication... he's only a living legend and the greatest player to play the game of basketball, and those officers receive a very handsome salary to protect him, whereas someone like Trayvon Martin or Sandra Bland was just a regular person like you and me. I need you to come a little better than that MJ.
If I could interview Michael Jordan, I would ask him what prompted him to speak out this time, after countless incidents have occurred over the years involving gun violence... Did he decide to speak out because the young guys LeBron and D. Wade spoke out? Was it a PR move because he has a new trillion dollar sneaker coming out? I mean why now, what is the catch... he made his mark on the world many years ago and has had nothing to lose for a while now. Inquiring minds want to know?
What do you think about Michael Jordan breaking his silence?
To read Jordan's full open letter click below:
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