RESPECT. Interview: Kevin Garnett, Global Ambassador of AND1, Talks Cordelia Park Renovation & Importance of Giving Back to the Community

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Really enjoyed this interview with KG as well! 🙏🏿

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AND1 and renowned street artists, The Illuminaries, teamed up to renovate the basketball court at Cordelia Park as a part of AND1’s “Paint the Park” initiative. Kevin Garnett the Global Ambassador + creative director of the very popular street-ball sneaker brand was in attendance to help unveil the court with the AND 1 team and Charlotte community.

The unveiling took place on Saturday (February 16th) during All-Star weekend where NBA Legend Kevin Garnett, Mecklenburg board of county commissioners chairman George Dunlap, District 4 county commissioner Mark Jerrell were all in attendance. Notable NBA All-Stars were also in attendance as DJ Phalse ID was on the 1s and 2s.

Charlotte’s Cordelia Park is a 24 acre park, in the Villa Heights neighborhood, and is the second oldest park in Charlotte. The park was selected by AND1 and city and county leaders as a prime location for revitalization, located on North Davidson street. The Paint The Park initiative aims to improve the conditions of neighborhood parks and basketball courts for youth. Paying homage to streetball culture and providing recreation and refuge for the community.

We got an opportunity to speak with NBA Legend, Global ambassador + creative director, Kevin Garnett to talk working with AND1, his favorite element of the renovation + his top 3 sneakers of all-time.

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Cordelia Park Renovation (via: AND1)

Get into our interview below.

How cool has it been working with AND1 over the years as the brand ambassador and creative director?

It’s cool. I first came to AND 1 because of the creative ability to come outside the box and to have a brand that’s supportive of that thought of thinking. I like to think of them as reactivating themselves in the shoe industry, stepping out of the box and owning the street-ball cred it’s just the perfect match for me.

Why do you feel it’s important to give back to the community with the unveiling of the ‘Paint The Park’ here at Cordelia Park?

I feel like it’s important for all of us to do our own part. Rather it’s being able to reactivate a community or inspire kids to come outside to play on the court and rep their park. That’s sort of the energy and inspiration that goes behind giving something like this back to the community.

What is your favorite element of the park?

The illustration. Seeing the before and after the park and it being laid a certain way and us coming back and giving it light The Illuminaries just bringing great light to the courts with the illustrations that’s probably my favorite part of it.

What are your Top 3 sneakers?

I gotta throw in my AND 1 kicks more of the comfortable pairs, my Nike Garnett 1s those are very comfortable, I’ve always been a fan of the Tai Chi believe it or not. Vince Carter made them popular. But those are some memorable shoes.