CLT Responds to Michael Jordan’s $2 Million Donation
CHARLOTTE, NC — The man considered the ultimate competitor on the court is using his fame, influence and fortune to bring police and the black community together.
Michael Jordan announced Monday that he has donated $1 million to the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund and $1 million to the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
“We all have to have skin in the game,” said Charlotte NAACP President Corine Mack.
CMPD’s Rob Tufano says Jordan should be applauded. “This is just a monumental gesture,” said Tufano. “He could have very easily have just sat on the sidelines and just enaged in rhetoric like the rest of the country. He chose a different path, not only to get involved, take a stand, but then make an investiment like this.”
Jordan, who’s famously stayed out of politics, wrote on theundefeated.com: “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.”
“We need to find ways to build on this conversation,” said Mack.
Charlotte’s NAACP President hopes some of the legal defense resources come to Charlotte.
“Chief Putney and I have been working on different ways to do things differently,” said Mack. “We need so much more change”
Right now, the NAACP is teaching “harm free zone” strategies in Charlotte communities so people can prevent violence themselves.
Tufano with CMPD is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
“It really is the industry standard for community policing,” said Tufano.
Jordan wrote: “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.”
“We’ve engaged in town halls and community events,” said Tufano. “We have to be just as willing to listen as speak, try to learn what some of the issues are that our community members are concerned with, and address those.”
CMPD offers ride-along programs for residents to learn how police patrol.
Charlotte NAACP President now calls on the greatest player of all time to continue the conversation on Charlotte’s court and join NAACP’s mentorships
If he hears my voice, please reach out to me,” said Mack. “I think that our African-American young men, in particular, would love the opportunity to speak with him directly.”
