SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

words_Nick DePaula

images_Steve Mullholand

Denver Nuggets forward and Jordan Brand signature athlete Carmelo Anthony has been named as one of the 100 Most Influential U.S. Hispanics by Hispanic Business Magazine. Every year, the magazine selects one hundred people that they’ve deemed to be influential, based on community contributions and success in one’s field, and including people such as “political and business leaders, beacons of education, world-class athletes, creative entertainers, administrators, and entrepreneurs.” Others to make this year’s list include Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees, Federico Pena, the former Denver Mayor and national co-chair of Barack Obama’s campaign, and many more.

Anthony’s father is Puerto Rican, and while many people may have been previously unaware of his family ties, Carmelo has recently taken a more active role in celebrating his heritage, as he’s currently appearing in national ads for the NBA to help promote Hispanic Heritage Month. While Melo has certainly made a few mistakes during his time in the NBA thus far, he’s also done a tremendous amount of charity work to earn his place on Hispanic Business’ list, such as his annual ‘Very Melo Christmas’ event in Denver that provides underprivileged youths with holiday gifts. He also donated $3 Million to Syracuse University’s Athletic Department to help build a new practice facility for Syracuse’s student-athletes. “I want to be No. 1. That’s my goal,” Anthony announced after learning he was included on the esteemed list. “I’ve got to see who’s on the list and see what I can do to top (them).”

For more on what Carmelo has been up to as well an in-depth interview on his new Jordan Melo M5 shoe, be sure to check out the upcoming Issue 25 of Sole Collector, to release in late November.

Below - Melo’s tattoo tribute to his father that reads “RIP Curley”: