Karl-Anthony Towns Named Finalist for 2023-24 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award

Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns has been named a finalist for the 2023-24 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award, marking the second time he has been recognized for his advocacy work. Towns’ focus on passing Minnesota’s Restore the Vote bill has been a key part of his social justice efforts.

The Restore the Vote bill, also known as Bill HF28, allows formerly incarcerated individuals the right to vote alongside every other eligible voting Minnesotan. Towns used his platform and voice to support the bill, shining a light on issues related to mass incarceration and meeting with key organizations to push the legislation forward.

Towns’ advocacy efforts resulted in the passing of the bill into law in July 2023, following Governor Walz’s approval earlier in the year. This marked a significant expansion of voting rights in Minnesota, allowing more than 50,000 individuals who were previously incarcerated or on parole to cast their vote.

In addition to his work on the Restore the Vote bill, Towns has also supported various social justice initiatives, including funding documentary films and supporting organizations like the Array Alliance. His dedication to creating change and giving a voice to marginalized communities has earned him recognition as a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion finalist once again.

Towns is joined by CJ McCollum, Russell Westbrook, Lindy Waters III, and Bam Adebayo as this year’s finalists for the award. The winning player’s selected beneficiary will receive $100,000, with the winner set to be announced in May. Towns’ continued efforts to foster inclusivity and advocate for social justice make him a standout candidate for this prestigious honor.