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Michael Jordan speaks out against recent shootings, donates $2 million

NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan before a boxing match in Las Vegas
May 2, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls former player Michael Jordan in attendance before the boxing fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Legendary NBA superstar Michael Jordan has added his voice to the many prominent athletes speaking out against the recent rash of violence in America.

“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,” Jordan writes in a one-page letter released exclusively to The Undefeated. “I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.”

Jordan also donated $1 million apiece to two organizations — the Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund — dedicated to building trust between police and communities, per The Undefeated.

Though Jordan admits the money he’s donating won’t be enough to fix the problem, he hopes it “will help both organizations make a positive difference.”

Jordan hasn’t typically spoken up about social issues — something he’s been criticized for in the past. But that doesn’t make his contributions now moot.

Both organizations were excited to receive the support he provided, with president and director of the Legal Defense Fund Sherrilyn Ifill expressing the following: “We’re surprised and shocked, but obviously thrilled.”

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