Dwight Powell of the Mavericks has always been proud of who he is and…

Dwight Powell of the Mavericks has always been proud of who he is and where he came from

He learned about the world as a child growing up in a diverse Toronto suburb, and his curiosity was piqued, which he still has.

Growing up in the Toronto suburb of North York, Dwight Powell was surrounded by people of mixed race. While the Dallas Mavericks center has lived in the suburbs for the past eight years, his diverse upbringing continues to influence how he views the world today.

Powell recently told Andscape, “I grew up differently than most.” “Toronto is a city with a lot of different cultures.” Second-generation Canadians were few and far between among my friends. I was born in Canada and am a first-generation Canadian. We had a diverse group of people from various walks of life. different religions

“It was critical for us to learn about everyone’s culture as we grew up.” It allows you to gain a better understanding of them and work together.”

Powell’s comfort level when interacting with people from various cultures is reflected in his travels. Egypt, India, China, Russia, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Spain, Mexico, and Estonia have all been visited by the 30-year-old. It is also not uncommon for him to travel alone outside of the United States.

Traveling to learn about different countries and cultures, according to Powell, is “one of the most important things you can do.”

Powell said, “I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years.” “I learned a lot about different cultures, which is extremely valuable. But it wasn’t until I went on a solo trip that I realized the true value of traveling. That is the process of self-discovery. When you’re placed in a different culture and on your own, you realize some things about yourself and the way you’ve been living. You’ll have to figure things out on your own. Some of that should be done as soon as possible, while still young, and with the fewest constraints possible. “

Egypt is Powell’s favorite travel destination, which he has visited at least five times. He has enjoyed visiting the pyramids, spending nights in the desert, relaxing on the beach, making clay pots, and visiting a childhood friend who owns a coffee shop and roastery in 6th of October City, Egypt.

Powell said, “I love history, especially if I can see it firsthand.” “Egypt has a lot of layers of history that have been there for a long, long time.” I adore the countryside as well. There are so many activities to choose from.

So, has Powell made up his mind about where he wants to go this offseason?

“I’m not sure yet.” Powell, whose Mavericks face the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday night, said, “We’ll see how far we can go.” “It has an impact on everything.”I haven’t even begun to plan it yet.”

Powell, who was chosen 45th overall in the 2014 NBA draft and spent a brief time in Boston before being traded to Dallas, averaged 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds this season for the Mavericks. Powell’s lack of production is due to the opponent’s zone defense, according to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who said Powell’s lack of production is due to the opponent’s zone defense. Powell was held scoreless for 12 minutes during the Mavericks’ 119-109 win over the Warriors in Game 4 on Tuesday night.

Dwight Powell said his diverse upbringing in the Toronto suburb of North York framed “everything for me.”

Dwight Harlan Powell was born on July 20, 1991, in Toronto. Powell’s father, Harlan Powell, is a white Canadian, while his late mother, Jacqueline Weir, is of Jamaican ancestry and was born in the Caribbean. After his parents divorced when he was a child, Powell and his mother resided in North York, about eight miles north of Toronto.

North York, which has a population of about one million people, is well-known for having residents from all over the world. In North York, White, Chinese, South Asian, Black, Arab-West Asian, Filipino, Latin American, Korean, Southwest Asian, and mixed-race residents lived in the city.You may visit the Aga Khan Museum to learn about Islamic civilizations, or you could attend the Cultura Festival every Friday in July to celebrate variety with world-renowned musicians, international street food, and other activities.

Powell’s background in North York shaped “everything for me,” according to him.

“It sparked a lot of curiosity in me,” Powell recalled, “since there was never just one way to do something for me.” “I understand there are a variety of ways to pray.” There are many different ways to eat. There are many different ways to love. People who are spending their lives and being happy in quite diverse ways.

“At an early age, it framed a level of curiosity in me.” Because there were so many different paths to choose in life, I was always eager to study as much as I could. It will benefit me in the long run if I can take bits and pieces from everyone I meet. “

Growing up in “The City with the Heart,” as it was dubbed after receiving its charter on Valentine’s Day in 1979, helped him feel at ease with people of diverse ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations.

I grew up with relatively few friends whose parents were of the same race. I don’t believe I have a single buddy who is. I had acquaintances who practiced religions that some could consider to be on the opposite extreme of the religious spectrum. “They come from all around the world,” Powell explained.

While Powell grew up in a pleasant melting pot, he admitted that race presented “some obstacles.”

Powell attended Earl Haig Secondary School in North York during his freshman year before transferring to the United States to attend IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, in order to better his chances of receiving a college scholarship. The outstanding kid chose Stanford University over Harvard University for a basketball scholarship.

Powell claims that depending on “the circle” he’s in, he’s been labeled as black, mixed-race, or white. In any case, the winner of the 2020 NBA Community Assist Award is proud to be himself.

“My race wasn’t a factor when I was younger,” Powell added. However, as you grow older and people begin to claim identities, you begin to have concerns. I’ve always been proud of who I am and where I came from, and it hasn’t affected me negatively, thankfully. “

Marc J. Spears is Andscape’s senior NBA writer. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasn’t done so in years, and his knees are still bothering him.