NBA announces Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award

The recipient will be able to choose an organization that will receive USD 100,000 on the player's behalf.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a file photo. (Image: Twitter)
By Nilavro Ghosh | May 15, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The NBA has announced the new Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award. The award will be presented to a current NBA player in acknowledgment of their work towards social justice and upholding the league’s long history of respect, equality, and inclusion. The award has been named after one of the greatest to ever participate in the NBA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The winner of the award will have also advanced the former player’s mission to drive change and inspire others to think about injustice and take collective action as a result. The recipient will be able to choose an organization that will receive USD 100,000 on the player’s behalf. The other four finalists will each select an organization that will receive a sum of USD 25,000.

“I’m honored and grateful to be associated with this award that will recognize the dedicated and selfless people fighting to promote social justice for all marginalized people,” Abdul-Jabbar said in a statement. “To me, it’s another giant step in the right direction for the country and all people who value equality.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Abdul-Jabbar for his work towards equality and social justice.

“In addition to being one of our greatest players, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has devoted much of his life to advocating for equality and social justice,” Silver said. “With this new award, we are proud to recognize and celebrate NBA players who are using their influence to make an impact on their communities and our broader society,” he concluded.

A LEGENDARY CAREER

Apart from being a brilliant advocate for social justice and a great ambassador for the sport, Abdul-Jabbar is also one of the finest players to have ever graced an NBA court. He is a six-time NBA champion and a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer. Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most accomplished players in the NBA’s history. He holds league records for regular-season MVP awards (6), All-Star Game selections (19), and career points (38,387) earned during his 20 NBA seasons playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. Abdul-Jabbar joined the NBA in the 1969-70 season after leading UCLA to three consecutive national titles.





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