Karl-Anthony Towns Named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Finalist

Towns’ advocacy focused on the passing 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 Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns is a finalist for the 2023-24 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion 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 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion finalist,” said Towns. “Being an advocate for equality and using my platform to advance causes closest to my heart and supporting those most marginalized is very important to me.”

For the past 12-18 months, Towns has played a pivotal role in the passing of Bill HF28 – Minnesota’s Restore the Vote bill, allowing formerly incarcerated individuals the right to vote alongside every other eligible voting Minnesotan. Towns used his platform and voice in support of the bill, while also spotlighting issues related to mass incarceration. Towns gave his time, participating in community conversations and meeting with key organizations, including the Minnesota Freedom Fund, New Justice Project, Minnesota Justice Research Center and All-Square, who helped shepherd the bill through the legislature.

In effort to raise awareness around Restore the Vote and inspire others to take action at the polls, Towns participated in a Community Conversation hosted by local nonprofit All Square. All Square is a driving force behind “The Legal Revolution,” a movement to transform the law with those most impacted 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 at, creating change.

Towns’ advocacy resulted in the passing of Bill HF28 into law in July 2023, following Minnesota Governor Walz’s approval in March 2023, allowing more than 50,000 Minnesotans who were previously incarcerated or on parole, the right to cast their vote. The law marked the largest expansion of voting rights since the voting age in Minnesota was lowered to 18 years old.

Towns’ successful advocacy around Restore the Vote was only the beginning; it was a momentum starter entering a critical presidential election year. Towns continues to use his platform to foster and cultivate a community of inclusivity and to give a voice to those who have historically been marginalized.

Towns has also spotlighted critical issues related to mass incarceration and the lack of resources within the justice system, in addition to matters within the education system. Towns dedicated both time and financial support, as a producer for the documentary film “Forgiving Johnny.” The short film explores how digital transformation enables change within 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 he supported the Array Alliance and their call to action for young people to experience the film and encourage people to engage with reading banned books.

This marks the second time Towns has been named a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion finalist, previously, in 2022 for his social justice work following the murder 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 this year’s five Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion finalists. The winning player’s selected beneficiary will receive $100,000. The winner will be announced in May.