Real Talk with Zuby #368 Enes Kanter Freedom - The Cost of Standing Up
Jun 19, 2025
Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player and passionate human rights activist, shares his transformative journey from Turkey to global advocacy. He discusses the profound backlash he has faced while confronting human rights abuses in China and his commitment to freedom of speech. The conversation delves into how athletes have a responsibility to highlight social issues, the impact of personal sacrifices, and the importance of empathy in fostering unity. Kanter also emphasizes the necessity of inspiring the next generation to engage in activism.
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Speaking Out Against Turkey
- Enes Kanter Freedom spoke out against corruption and media oppression in Turkey despite personal costs.
- His family's jobs and his brother's basketball career were directly harmed due to his activism.
Shoes as Human Rights Protest
- Enes Kanter Freedom used his NBA platform to raise awareness on China's human rights abuses, facing MLB and NBA pressure.
- He wore shoes with messages like "Free Tibet" and "Made with slave labor," provoking bans and threats.
From Awareness To Action
- Bring awareness to injustice but push leaders for actionable sanctions and policies.
- Educate and inspire youth to be brave and stand up beyond social media posts.