Stephen Curry Swells in Pride as Civil Rights Activist & MLK’s Advisor Shares Heartfelt Message After Viral Pitch at Giants Game

Martin Luther King Jr. remains to be an illuminating figure of freedom even years after his passing. His words persuaded millions. His speeches portrayed the voices and struggles of the entire Black community. He was and remains the most pivotal and instrumental man who brought about the social revolution. But such a herculean task isn’t alone. He had the support of Dr. Clarence B Jones, an advisor to MLK himself. Recently, he was at the Yankees-Giants game to throw the first pitch. No one felt more honored and prideful than NBA star Stephen Curry, who stood right by him during the moment.

Jones, now 93, was invited by the New York Giants organization to throw the first pitch. At his peak, he was a part of the entourage of Martin Luther King Jr. The social activist had personally visited Jones to hire him for his team of white lawyers according to The Guardian. Out to the rapturous ovation of the crowd, Jones threw the first pitch.

As he took the mound, Stephen Curry emerged to assist his good friend. After sharing an embrace, the NBA superstar helped Jones as he threw a perfect underarm pitch. It being the African American Heritage Night, Curry and Jones were the perfect representation of the community at Oracle Park.

He documented his experience on Instagram while also heaping praise on Curry’s fruitful NBA career. “As a giant of the Civil Rights Movement, & one of the last of the giants at that, it was a pleasure of a lifetime to throw a ceremonial first pitch at Yankees-Giants for the @sfgiants baseball team! I couldn’t have done it without the help of my close friend & basketball giant, @stephencurry30 & all on African American Heritage Night no less”, he wrote in an Instagram post.

Nonetheless, as a social warrior and community leader himself, Stephen Curry was swelling with pride and excitement. He posted an Instagram story to share the moment with his fans too. Tagging the revered lawyer, Curry attached the respect emoticons to express his honor and gratitude for the moment.

Stephen Curry has made a mark as an activist

People might know Curry most as a basketball demigod who can shoot from anywhere. But he has optimally used his platform to promote social agendas and fight against various communal issues. During the Black Lives Matter Movement, the four-time NBA champion joined hands with millions on the street in protest. He even brought his 7-year-old daughter Riley to the movement. The purpose was to not only educate her but also make her part of the fight for justice.

“That’s a moment I know she’ll remember for a long time, in terms of the diversity of people that were out there speaking on behalf of the change for the black experience. For her I know that’s going to be a life-changing perspective, even at 7… It was amazing. It was a proud moment as a parent to be a part of that” he said about his decision in an interview.

Apart from his public efforts, Curry is constantly gathering resources to empower and modernize his community. In 2019, he along with his wife Ayesha Curry founded the Eat. Learn. Play foundation. It aims at providing nutritious meals, quality education, and recreational access to all Oakland elementary school kids.

In the 2022-23 season, Curry received his most honorable nod from the NBA. It wasn’t an NBA MVP or an All-Star selection. The Warriors icon was awarded the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion trophy for his work to aid the improvement of the community. While Curry continues to defy limits in basketball daily, he is equally as effective in the fight for equality and justice.