Carmelo Anthony speaks about his Puerto Rican roots

 

 

Former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony speaks about his Latin (Puerto Rican) roots and what it means to him. He has warm memories of his Dad, who was born in Puerto Rico, but died when Carmelo was just a toddler.

In a candid conversation, Carmelo Anthony, the renowned basketball superstar, opened up about a part of his life that has remained relatively unknown to the public – his Puerto Rican heritage. Raised in New York and later moving to Baltimore, Carmelo’s connection to his Puerto Rican roots was somewhat lost following the early passing of his father, Carmelo Iriarte, when he was just two years old.

In this story, we delve into Carmelo’s inspiring journey of discovering his heritage, rekindling his Puerto Rican identity, and his deep commitment to giving back to the island that holds a special place in his heart.

The Lost Connection:
Reflecting on his youth, Carmelo admits that during his early years, he didn’t fully grasp the significance of his Puerto Rican heritage. The move from New York to Baltimore created a gap in his connection to his roots, further exacerbated by the absence of his father. He recalls, “I didn’t really understand it back then. My dad passed, and there was a gap of years without contact with that side of the family.” However, there came a point in his life when he felt the need to dig deep and reconnect with his Puerto Rican roots, a decision that would ultimately shape his identity.

Faint Memories:
Carmelo’s memories of his father are few and far between. He describes them as “cloudy memories,” with only glimpses of moments spent with his father. These recollections include visits to his sister’s house and other small, fleeting moments. However, he possesses a treasure trove of his father’s legacy – a book of poems. Despite his father’s love for basketball, he had a passion for poetry, which he expressed through heartfelt poems dedicated to each of his children, his siblings, and even his girlfriends. These poems reveal a deeply family-oriented man who aimed to bring everyone together, a trait that Carmelo believes reflects his Spanish roots.

 

 

Reconnecting Through Poetry:
During a period of self-discovery, Carmelo found solace in his father’s poems. He read them extensively, using them as a means to connect the dots and gain a deeper understanding of his family’s history. In these verses, he could sense his father’s dedication to family and the joy he derived from bringing loved ones together. He realized that this trait ran deep in his Spanish heritage – a love for family, a zest for life, and a passion for celebration.

Giving Back to Puerto Rico:
One of the most remarkable ways Carmelo Anthony has chosen to reconnect with his Puerto Rican roots is through philanthropy. Through the Carmelo Anthony Foundation, in partnership with Courts for Kids, he has been instrumental in building and refurbishing basketball courts in disadvantaged socio-economic areas across Syracuse, Brooklyn, and Puerto Rico since 2010. This initiative has had a profound impact on the communities it serves, providing a platform for young talents to thrive and fostering a sense of unity.

His trips to Puerto Rico for these projects have deepened his connection to the island. He shares, “Every time I go down there, I see the connection, and I gather more information about my family’s side, their interests, and what they love to do. It makes me feel much more connected when I’m there.”

Carmelo’s journey to rediscover his Puerto Rican heritage and reconnect with his roots is a testament to the importance of embracing one’s identity. Through his commitment to philanthropy and his deep appreciation for family, Carmelo has not only found himself but has also given back to the island that holds a piece of his heart. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of heritage, family, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world.

 

Carmelo Anthony appeared On October 2012 Cover of LatinTRENDS Magazine (see below).