Episode 1440: NBA Star & Nobel Peace Prize Nominee: Enes Kanter Freedom

Derek Champagne talks with Enes Kanter Freedom. Enes is a human rights activist, NBA star, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and NY Times Best Selling author of the book: In The Name of Freedom.

summary

In this conversation, Ennis Cantor-Freedom shares his remarkable journey from a childhood in Turkey, where he faced societal pressures to hate, to becoming a prominent NBA player and a human rights activist. He discusses the challenges he faced in speaking out against injustices, particularly regarding the treatment of Uyghurs in China, and the personal sacrifices he made, including estrangement from his family and the threat to his safety. Through his story, he emphasizes the importance of empathy, the responsibility of influential figures, and the need to educate the next generation about human rights and social justice.

takeaways

• Ennis Cantor-Freedom's journey from Turkey to the NBA is marked by a commitment to human rights.
• He faced societal pressures to hate America but chose to embrace understanding instead.
• His family's support played a crucial role in shaping his values.
• The NBA provided a platform for him to speak out against injustices.
• He faced severe consequences for his activism, including threats to his family.
• Empathy is a key theme in his message to the world.
• He encourages others to use their platforms for social justice.
• The importance of educating the next generation about human rights is emphasized.
• He believes that silence in the face of injustice is complicity.
• His story illustrates the power of individual choices in the fight for freedom.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Ennis Cantor-Freedom

01:18
Childhood in Turkey: A Journey of Understanding

06:45
Transition to America: First Impressions and Cultural Adjustments

11:23
NBA Career: From Draft to Stardom

13:21
Activism Begins: Standing Up for Human Rights

16:51
Consequences of Activism: Family and Personal Sacrifices

18:52
Living Under Threat: The Interpol List and Travel Restrictions

20:58
The Threat of Violence and Personal Safety

22:22
Joining the Boston Celtics: A New Chapter

24:04
Awakening to Human Rights Issues

25:47
Using Basketball as a Platform for Activism

29:05
The Cost of Speaking Out

31:08
Empathy: The Missing Ingredient

32:23
The Consequences of Activism

37:26
The Business of Basketball and China

38:17
The Responsibility of Influential Athletes

40:46
Taking Action: What Can We Do?

Business Leadership Series Intro and Outro music provided by Just Off Turner: https://music.apple.com/za/album/the-long-walk-back/268386576