Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony has been very active in using his voice to address social justice issues in the United States.
Anthony served as the guest editor-in-chief for a special edition of SLAM Magazine in July, and he has joined his peers in advocating for reform while the NBA restart wages on in Orlando. This includes teaming up with pals Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade on a special initiative.
More recently, Melo detailed some of the experiences he has had with police as a Black man in America.
Via Sopan Deb of The New York Times:
“I’ve dealt with it all. Have I ever experienced police brutality before? Yes,” Anthony said, adding: “Whether it was being pulled over, being racially profiled, or being in my neighborhood and being on my block and the police jumping out of their cars and snatching you up and throwing you on the sidewalk and make you sit there — I’ve experienced that.”
Carmelo Anthony was also measured in speaking about the movement to defund the police. The 10-time All-Star said while he believes the American society needs police, they must be held accountable to the fullest extent of their actions.
When asked about the upcoming general election this fall, Anthony said he was more concerned with communal issues:
“I want what’s right for my people,” he said. “If you’re a Republican and it’s right for my people, then it is what it is. If you’re a Democrat and it’s right for my people, then it is what it is. I’m not in the business of picking a side just to pick a side.”
Carmelo Anthony has been a player of vital importance for the Trail Blazers all season.
But Melo, like so many others in the bubble, is taking the necessary time to speak on matters off the hardwood.
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