Enes Kanter Freedom was born in Switzerland in 1992 to Turkish parents. A talented basketball player, he has played for five NBA teams, including the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, and he represented Turkey as a member of its national team from 2008 to 2015. But Enes showed the true nature of his character when he began speaking out boldly against dictators and in defense of fundamental human rights.
Enes is the rare professional athlete who has used his platform and influence to stand up – and stand tall – for the causes he cares about, even when controversial. He has spoken out about the Uyghur genocide in Xinjiang; the persecution of Tibetan Buddhists in China; violations of the rule of law in Turkey, Russia and elsewhere; the need to actively combat antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of religious intolerance; the complicity of global corporations in labor rights and human rights abuses; the NBA’s shameful obeisance to the Chinese Communist Party; and more.
In one of his most memorable and prominent acts of defiance and advocacy, he commissioned artists to design custom-made basketball shoes with human rights messages like “Free Tibet”, “Free Uyghur”, and “No Beijing 2022”. He wore these shoes proudly during NBA games.
Enes, who added the surname “Freedom” upon becoming an American citizen in 2021, has paid a high price for his activism. Turkey revoked his citizenship in 2017 and China retaliated against his outspoken advocacy by censoring the games of his then-NBA team, the Celtics. Ultimately, his professional basketball career came to an end, due to his unwillingness to stay silent about the world’s most urgent human rights challenges.
Speaking before the UN in Geneva in 2022, Enes said, “Here I am, in front of you, humbled to speak for those who are speechless and censored – because being silent when you can speak up is a crime.” He has proven many times over that he will not be silent, no matter the consequences.
General Admission – entry to the main event at noon: $60 per person or $600 for a table of 10
VIP Admission – entry to a one-hour meet and greet with Enes Kanter Freedom at 11am and to the main event at 12pm: $100 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10
The Lantos Foundation was established in 2008 to carry forward the legacy of Congressman Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to the U.S. Congress and a leading human rights champion. The Foundation works with a range of partners and often in cooperation with the U.S. Government on issues that span the globe. The Foundation’s key areas of focus include human rights issues related to religious freedom, rule of law, internet freedom and activist art. The Foundation also administers the Lantos Congressional Fellows Program, supports human rights advocates, activists and artists through its Front Line Fund grant program, and awards the annual Lantos Human Rights Prize to honor and bring attention to heroes of the human rights movement. The Foundation is based in Concord, NH.
Interested in sponsoring the Speaker Series Luncheon? We have numerous opportunities for you or your company to support the event through a sponsorship. Click here to learn more about available sponsorships or contact Director of Development Hashira Rodriguez at hrodriguez@mbgcnh.org.
The Speakers Series Luncheon appeals to the corporate community, focusing on enhancing professional development by featuring inspiring and motivational speakers. Held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester Union Street Clubhouse, this event attracts more than 200 business professionals from the Greater Manchester community. Lunch will be served with the opportunity for networking and a one-hour presentation by the keynote speaker.
A boxed lunch is served with the opportunity for networking and a one-hour presentation by the keynote speaker.
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