The Chinese dissident artist Badiucao knew he was taking on a large canvas in painting human rights slogans on the basketball shoes for Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter. Badiucao's work is part of a campaign to raise awareness of human rights abuses by the Chinese Communist Party. Kanter has worn the shoes on the court — leading to Celtic’s games reportedly censored in China – and promoted them on his social media. Kanter’s profile in the NBA and his outspoken advocacy for human rights, specifically related to his home country Turkey, has made him a celebrity for oppressed groups, a partner for lawmakers and a target of foreign governments. Kanter declined to be interviewed for this article, saying he wants to keep the focus on the conversation about human rights.

Source: Forbes October 31, 2021 12:24 UTC