He wants to help bring communities together through the creation of recreation centers, after-school and job placement programs. He also thinks about the future of Baltimore. “I understand where they are at mentally and emotionally,” he said. As he rides around the city and sees squeegee workers, he reflects on the days he had to wash windshields to make ends meet. But more importantly, Baltimore keeps him humble. They can look up to him and emulate the same stance that he took.”ĭuring his trips home, Anthony enjoys seeing close friends and the kids of people he grew up with, marveling at the growth of future generations. To come into this space speaks volumes about his character.
“This is someone who made it out of the ghetto.
“It’s powerful,” said 43-year-old Michael “Mustafa” Plummer, who is a mentor for the Free Minds program. Last year, he was named the NBA’s inaugural Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion for his advocacy for criminal justice reform and equality. (Steve Jenkins)Īnthony understands his influence and wants his legacy to transcend basketball. 7, 2022, during The City is Mine Basketball Classic at St. NBA star Carmelo Anthony sits courtside Aug. All Anthony wanted growing up was someone to validate what he was doing. Throughout his time in the NBA and competing in three Olympics, there was a sense of validation playing in front of soldout arenas and millions more on television and seeing fans across the globe wear his jersey. They jokingly asked him about his stint with the Lakers, what happened to Russell Westbrook last season and playing against NBA champion and two-time Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo.Īnthony’s neighborhood never presented hope for a life in the NBA, yet he’s on the verge of becoming the ninth player in league history to play at least 20 seasons, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, Jamal Crawford, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis and the late Kobe Bryant. 5, Anthony’s conversation with the teens shifted from life in the hood to his career. He felt a sense of relief reliving the stories of the past and wanted to show the world where he came from.Īt the Youth Services Center on Aug. He didn’t realize all the things he kept hidden, but once he put pen to paper, he couldn’t stop.
The therapy Anthony longed for came two decades later when he started writing. 6, 2022, at The Garage at R House in Baltimore. NBA star Carmelo Anthony discussed his memoir, "Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised," during a book signing Aug.