NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns has had a significant year, recently being traded to the New York Knicks and being named the 2023-24 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion for his voting rights advocacy. Towns played a key role in passing legislation in Minnesota that allowed formerly incarcerated individuals to vote. In an interview, Towns discussed his background, including his Dominican and Black heritage, and emphasized the importance of giving back and being recognized for his off-court work. He is partnering with GO Ministries and World Youth Clubs to build a youth basketball facility in the Dominican Republic, his late mother’s homeland. Towns expressed his excitement about using his platform to support the Hispanic community. He reflected on his childhood dream of being a baseball player for the New York Yankees, inspired by Dominican baseball stars, and how representing the Dominican Republic in international basketball championships has been fulfilling. Towns was featured in NBC News’ Hispanic Heritage feature “The Latino 10: A standout year,” recognizing his contributions to the Hispanic community. Overall, Towns’ career and advocacy work have made a significant impact, showcasing his dedication to social justice and philanthropy beyond the basketball court.
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