Towns’ advocacy focused on passage of Minnesota’s Restore the Vote bill
This marks the second time the forward/center has been named a finalist. previously named a finalist in 2022
Minneapolis-St. Paul – Today, the NBA announced that Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns is a finalist for the 2023-24 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Champion of Social Justice Award. The annual award honors a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and upholding the league’s values of equality, respect and inclusion.
“I am incredibly humbled to be named a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion,” Towns said. “Being an advocate for equality and using my platform to move closer to my heart and support those who are most marginalized is very important to me.”
Over the past 12-18 months, Towns has been instrumental in the passage of House Bill HF28 – The Minnesota Voting Restoration Act, allowing formerly incarcerated individuals the right to vote along with every other eligible Minnesotan. Towns used his platform and voice to support the bill while also highlighting issues related to mass incarceration. Towns volunteered his time, participating in community discussions and meeting with key organizations, including the Minnesota Freedom Fund, the New Justice Project, the Minnesota Justice Research Center and All-Square, that helped push the bill through the legislature. body.
In an effort to raise awareness about Restore the Vote and inspire others to take action at the polls, the Towns participated in a community conversation hosted by local nonprofit All Square. All Square is the driving force behind the ‘Legal Revolution’, a movement to transform the law with those most affected by it. Towns’ work with All Square is an example of how he fully embodies and embraces what it means to be a social justice advocate – connecting, being present and meeting the community where they are, creating change.
Towns’ advocacy led to the passage of House Bill HF28 into law in July 2023, following Minnesota Governor Walz’s endorsement in March 2023, allowing more than 50,000 Minnesotans who were previously incarcerated or on parole the right to vote. The law marked the largest expansion of voting rights since Minnesota’s voting age was lowered to 18.
Towns’ successful advocacy around Restore the Vote was just the beginning. it was a boost entering a crucial presidential election year. Towns continues to use his platform to promote and cultivate a community of inclusion and give voice to those who have been historically marginalized.
Towns has also highlighted critical issues related to mass incarceration and under-resources within the justice system, in addition to issues within the education system. Towns provided time and financial support as a producer for the documentary film “Forgiving Johnny”. The short film explores how digital transformation is enabling change in the justice system, following Johnny and his public defender, Noah Cox, as they navigate the complex legal system.
Towns provided additional funding to Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed film Origin and supported the Array Alliance and its call to action for young people to experience the film and encourage people to take up reading banned books.
This is the second time Towns has been named a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Champion of Social Justice, previously in 2022 for his social justice work following the killing of George Floyd.
CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans), Russell Westbrook (LA Clippers), Lindy Waters III (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) join Towns as the five finalists for this year’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion. The winning player’s chosen beneficiary will receive $100,000. The winner will be announced in May.