Inside The Wizards

Kyle Kuzma Puts Spotlight On Women’s Jail Reform

After being recognized as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for November, Kyle Kuzma shared why he has a special passion for women's jail reform.

Carita Parks

Kyle Kuzma Puts Spotlight On Women’s Jail Reform
Kyle Kuzma Puts Spotlight On Women’s Jail Reform /
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Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma was named the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award November winner for giving back to his hometown of Flint, Michigan and hosting Thankful Meals in Washington, D.C. through the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation.

Kuzma was officially recognized as the NBA Cares winner during pre-game of Friday’s Nets-Wizards game. Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins presented him with the award.

On November 26, Kuzma surprised mothers at the Genesee County Jail in Flint with clothing and gifts for them and their children for the holidays. Kuzma also unveiled Kuz’s corner – two newly renovated jail cells as a part of a larger effort to upgrade the facility’s conditions.

In conjunction with the event at the Genesee County Jail, Kuzma also announced the launch of a special partnership through his foundation with I.G.N.I.T.E. and R.I.S.E. to support residents of the facility for a successful future when they re-enter society.

Kuzma’s work on jail reform for incarcerated women is a very unique cause that many athletes don’t delve into. Inside the Wizards staff writer Carita Parks spoke to Kuzma about his passion for the cause. 

He noted his personal relationship with the Sheriff’s office in his hometown and influences such as Michael Rubin. Kuzma passionately feels like “women don’t belong in jail." Through this cause he also reunited a newborn baby with their incarcerated mom. 

Each month, the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award recognizes a player monthly for their outstanding work in the community. The award honors Bob Lanier, an NBA League Office executive and NBA Cares Ambassador for more than 30 years. 

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Carita Parks
CARITA PARKS

Carita Parks is the founder and editor-in-chief of Double Take Sports, an online sports platform featuring in-depth feature interviews, personal athlete stories, game analysis, and inside access to top sporting events. As a credentialed sports journalist, Carita has covered major events such as the NBA Draft, NBA Playoffs, WNBA Draft, WNBA Finals, Super Bowl, NFL Draft, NFL Honors, and more. Her current work includes regular coverage of the NFL, WNBA, and NBA, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and Washington Commanders. Carita’s articles and interviews have appeared on a variety of platforms including USA Today’s CommandersWire and more. Throughout her journey as a reporter, Carita has interviewed many prestigious names in sports and entertainment to include: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, Natasha Cloud, Elena Delle Donne, Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, Patrick Mahomes, Jemele Hill, and Snoop Dogg.  As a sports insider, Carita has been invited to provide expert analysis on podcasts, radio, and television shows. She also co-hosts a ‘The Triple W,’ an all female Wizards podcast, and a DC sports podcast called ‘The Breakdown.' Carita has a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Masters in Business Administration. She is a member of Women in Sports and Events – DC Chapter and the National Association of Black Journalists. 

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