San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes is much more than an athlete; he’s a voice for change, deeply committed to using his platform to elevate conversations on social justice and Black history. His Twitter feed alone serves as a blueprint for how athletes can use their influence to inspire and uplift communities. Long before it became common for NBA players to take public stands on political and social issues, Barnes was tweeting about ending police brutality and encouraging voter participation, especially when the nation was rocked by the George Floyd protests and the 2020 election.

Barnes’ activism was already in full swing by 2018 when he joined forces with the nonpartisan organization When We All Vote, using his platform to push for increased voter turnout during the midterm elections.

Fast forward to today, and Barnes continues to embody the notion that athletes are more than just entertainers — they are citizens first, with the power to influence real-world change. A study of his Twitter feed demonstrates a person deeply connected to issues ranging from humanitarian crises like the earthquake in Haiti to ending voter suppression and uplifting Black history and social progress.

This is why his recent visit to the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) should surprise no one, as it feels like a natural extension of his ongoing work. SAAACAM, like Barnes, has been an active force in uplifting Black history, community engagement and social progress in San Antonio.