Most people know Ray Allen as a two-time NBA champion and one of the greatest shooters in league history. If you’re a little older, you might also remember him for his big-screen turn as “Jesus Shuttlesworth” in Spike Lee’s legendary hoops saga He Got Game. During his basketball career, Allen was known for his unwavering dedication to his craft. The work and attention to detail he put into perfecting his shooting form was second-to-none.
But now that he’s retired, the 10-time All-Star has been dedicating his time to an entirely difference endeavor. Last week, Allen was officially appointed to the governing board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, but it’s a period of history that has captivated his interest since his college days at UCONN.
He’s using his stature to educate others about his cause. Via Kelley D. Evans of The Undefeated:
“I am proud to serve in this role and to continue to share the important messages and lessons we all need to remember from the Holocaust,” Allen said in a statement. “I want to inspire people to break down stereotypes, and treat one another — regardless of race, religion or anything else — like family. It’s more important now than ever.”
Allen went on to talk about his very first visit to the museum in 1998 when he was with the Bucks and how he was so moved that he brought each of his teammates there over the years. In a few weeks, he’ll travel to Poland to see the concentration camps at Auschwitz and hopes that the can continue to move the conversation forward and help glean lessons from a sordid past.
