Jordan made donations to two separate groups this summer to help address social issues (Getty)
Wednesday marked the second evening of protests in Charlotte following the shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott, who was shot by Charlotte-Mecklenberg police officer Brentley Vinson last Thursday. There was both violence and looting during what began as peaceful protests, with the Charlotte Hornets team store among the buildings damaged.
There were also injuries during the second night of unrest, with nine civilians and five law enforcement officers being treated, and 44 people were arrested. Also, North Carolina governor Pat McCrory called in the National Guard to help control the situation Wednesday night.
Thursday morning, Hornets owner Michael Jordan released the following statement on the recent events:
“First, I want to express my condolences to the Scott family for their loss. I also wish for a full recovery to those who have been injured.
“In light of the tragic events of the past three days, it is more important than ever that we restore calm and come together, as a community, in peaceful demonstration and conversation, and in constructive and non-violent ways. As part of the fabric of Charlotte, the Hornets organization is committed to working with civic leaders, our elected leaders and law enforcement to foster more trust, transparency and understanding so we can heal and grow together as a community.”
While Jordan wasn’t known for taking a public stance on social issues during his illustrious playing career, he stepped forward with a sizable donation earlier this year.
In late July, Jordan made donations of $1 million apiece to two foundations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s newly established Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Jordan made the announcement via The Undefeated, stating in the piece that he could no longer stand silent on the issue of relations between people of color and law enforcement.
“I know this country is better than that, and I can no longer stay silent,” Jordan wrote in The Undefeated story. “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.”
In early August Jordan donated $5 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian, which is scheduled to be opened by President Barack Obama September 24.
