PHOTOS: Carmelo Anthony marches with protesters in Baltimore
NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony is trying to use his considerable profile for good.
The New York Knicks forward has been vocal in response to the ongoing civil unrest in Baltimore, crafting an Instagram post on Tuesday urging people to protect the city rather than destroy it.
Anthony, who lived in Baltimore from when he was eight years old until his high school years, went a step further on Thursday. Outfitted in his now-trademark hat, Anthony marched through the city with protesters, as caught on camera by a German reporter (forgive the incorrect team names).
.@carmeloanthony of #BrooklynNets leads the march #Baltimore #FreddieGray pic.twitter.com/dWC1hWBohA
— Richard Walker (@rbsw) April 30, 2015
Anthony sported a "Cassius Clay" shirt, a fitting garment given that Muhammad Ali was one of the most outspoken athletes on political issues in his time.
Carmelo Anthony marching with record exec Kevin Liles - no, that isn't Russell Simmons, CNN - in Baltimore pic.twitter.com/RpjwZs1tNh #knicks
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) April 30, 2015
"This is my community," Anthony said. "It's not (only) my community, it's everybody's community. It's America's community."
Anthony said his goal was to instill calm among the youth in the city, urging once again that people work to build, rather than destroy, in the wake of the violence in response to Freddie Gray's funeral on Tuesday.
"They're fed up right now," Anthony said. "But there's different ways that you can go about it and I'm here to kind of lead that to the right path."
Carmelo to Geraldo: "This is my community. I grew up on these streets. I feel the youths’ pain. I'm here for a peaceful protest."
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) April 30, 2015
Denver Nuggets wing Will Barton has also been active, hosting a community barbecue Tuesday.