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Look: Michael Jordan Says He "Can No Longer Stay Silent" Over Police Brutality and Cop Targeting

Read the NBA legend's touching letter to see what action he's taking.

In the past, Michael Jordan has been criticized for not being socially conscious enough about issues concerning the African-American community.

But after watching the rash of police brutality against African-Americans and the targeting of police, the NBA legend and Hall of Famer has had enough.

In a touching letter, which was posted on TheUndefeated.com on Monday, MJ announced how deeply disturbed he has felt over the senseless violence and how he's making $2 million in combined pledges to help combat each issue.

"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," Jordan wrote. "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 works on promoting the best practices in community policing, while the NAACP Legal Defense Fund is dedicated to supporting reforms that will build respect and trust between communities and law enforcement, Jordan added.

"Although I know these contributions alone are not enough to solve the problem," Jordan said, "I hope the resources will help both organizations make a positive difference."

Jordan started the letter explaining why he's springing to action.

“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," he penned. "I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well."

He added: "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."

Jordan's gesture comes less than two weeks after LeBron JamesCarmelo AnthonyDwyane Wade and Chris Paul assembled on stage at the ESPYS, calling on fellow athletes to do more to spark change in their communities following the egregious violence.

BET Sports News — Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports, including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes.

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