Karl-Anthony Towns Named NBA Social Justice Champion For 2023-24 Season

Photo: Instagram/Karl-Anthony Towns

Minnesota Timberwolves' star player Karl-Anthony Towns has been named the 2023-24 NBA Social Justice Champion. He will be awarded the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy for his dedication to social justice causes. Towns stood out among five finalists for his commitment to equality, respect, and inclusion, values upheld by Abdul-Jabbar and the NBA.

Towns played a crucial role in advocating for voting rights, particularly in the passage of Minnesota's Restore the Vote bill. This bipartisan legislation restored the right to vote for thousands of previously incarcerated individuals. He actively engaged with key organizations and community discussions, emphasizing the importance of every citizen's voice in democracy.

The passage of the bill in March 2023 marked a significant milestone, benefiting over 55,000 Minnesotans upon its implementation in July 2023. Towns' involvement extended beyond voting rights, as he supported initiatives addressing other justice and education system issues.

Photo: Instagram/Karl-Anthony Towns

He served as a producer for the documentary "Forgiving Johnny," shedding light on the complexities of the legal system, and contributed to Ava DuVernay's film "Origin," encouraging youth engagement with banned books. Additionally, Towns serves as a board member for the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, leveraging the NBA's influence to promote policy and empower action.

Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, commended Towns for his continuous advocacy efforts, stating that his work has positively impacted thousands in Minnesota and beyond.


Other finalists for the award included Bam Adebayo, CJ McCollum, Lindy Waters III, and Russell Westbrook. The winner was chosen by a selection committee consisting of NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and prominent social justice leaders, including Dr. Richard Lapchick, Marc Morial, Janet Murguía, Amanda Nguyen, and Mark Tatum, along with youth representative JJ Mandaquit from the Jr. NBA Court of Leaders.

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Source: NBA 

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