Carmelo Anthony’s Cover on ESPN Magazine: Activist or Branding Opp?

Sometimes I find it tough to believe in the ‘actioning’ of celebrity brands when it comes to ‘speaking out’ on injustices and controversial issues that threaten their lucrative incomes.

Carmelo Anthony on the cover of ESPN Magazine — bold, black, proud or… is it really? After reading the interview, in Q&A format, I have to say I think his intentions are on target.

It’s safe to say; he’s fed up.

One particular paragraph in the article stands out:

…this isn’t just any time in America. Since the early summer, when six police officers were acquitted in Anthony’s hometown of Baltimore after facing charges resulting from the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray, basketball for the Knicks’ franchise player has become secondary to being an active, involved citizen, one aware of his power and influence-and often the limitations of each. We spent a recent afternoon together in New York talking as black citizens and parents, debating race and policing, owners and players, and the increasing politicization of sports in a tense, post-Ferguson nation. For Anthony, there is no more holding back.

He talked about Freddie Gray being a tipping point for him and how he feels limited in how many times he can speak out or if he should speak out. Real ish.

It’s great to know that even African-Americans who’ve “made it” feel compelled and helpless and anger at what’s happening and they want to do something about it. Yes, even Carmelo Anthony.

My partner in PR crime, “P.Parks” actually broke it down in his analysis of it all. As much as you want to hope that these celebrities are down ‘for the cause,’ you have to also consider, with side-eye intact, it could all very well be a “PR moment.”

After reading the article on ESPN and then reading P.Parks brand analysis, I’m convinced that Carmelo has gone far enough to convince me — he just may very well be the Activist G.O.A.T our generation is in need of.