National Basketball Association

Carmelo Anthony Continues To Fight Social Injustice

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony will take part in a gesture against social injustice, but he hopes to see real change via conversation.

The social injustices in the United States of America have been overwhelmingly disheartening. No matter how many times the issues are exposed, the events continue to occur.

With frustration understandably mounting around the country, professional athletes have been utilizing their platforms to facilitate growth.

One of the most vocal athletes on the topic of social injustice has been New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. Anthony has marched for Freddie Gray, made a powerful speech at the ESPYs, and organized a town hall meeting between civilians and police officers.

According to Mike Coppinger of USA TODAY, Anthony plans to take part in the group protest executed by the Knicks, but hopes the conversation ranges beyond gestures.

“For me it’s not about one single gesture,” said Anthony, who won a third Olympic gold medal this summer with Team U.S.A. “If the guys want to create a gesture or figure it out, we’ll figure it out. We will address those issues.

“My goal is to keep the conversation moving, the conversation going. Talking to the right people, getting in front of the right people, making a stand for kind of what we believe in — whether you’re black, white, indifferent. I think it’s for everybody to come on board and figure everything out.”

The imagery can be powerful, but it’s the conversations that will determine if change occurs.

Anthony has put his money and his actions where his mouth is. He’s been a vocal and active supporter of the movement against the social oppression of people of color in the United States of America.

Recent displays of police brutality further display the need for change.

If Anthony and the Knicks were to execute a group protest, the message would be powerful. It’d be coming from a team with as much of a spotlight on it as any in the world of professional sports, basketball or otherwise.

Anthony simply hopes that the conversation can continue beyond the gesture.

It’s then, and only then, that real change will occur.